Democrat Scott Colom Unseats Republican Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith in Mississippi

Democratic challenger Scott Colom has defeated Republican Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith in Mississippi, a state traditionally held by the GOP. This result marks a significant shift in the region’s political dynamics.

Years earlier, Hyde-Smith inadvertently set the stage for this outcome. In 2023, President Joe Biden nominated Colom, then a district attorney, for a U.S. District Court Judge position in Mississippi. Hyde-Smith blocked this nomination, citing his views on transgender rights and contributions from a political action committee supported by billionaire George Soros.

Hyde-Smith acknowledged Colom’s intelligence and popularity but refused to return a “blue slip” to the Senate Judiciary Committee, a procedure showing support for judicial nominees. Meanwhile, Mississippi’s other Republican senator, Roger Wicker, had backed Colom’s nomination.

Colom revealed that Hyde-Smith’s actions were pivotal in his decision to run for her Senate seat. He expressed frustration over her dismissing public and bipartisan support for his judicial appointment. This led him to scrutinize Hyde-Smith’s record, concluding she was not serving Mississippi’s best interests.

“We’re a state that needs a senator who focuses on our needs,” Colom stated, explaining his motivation to campaign against her.

Newsweek reached out to both campaigns for comments but is still awaiting responses.

“I blocked Scott Colom from becoming a federal judge. And you blocked him from being a U.S. senator,” Hyde-Smith remarked during her election night speech, which eventually proved optimistic.

Colom’s Efforts to Address Concerns

In 2023, Colom contacted Hyde-Smith to address her objections and asked her to reconsider his nomination. He clarified that Soros funded an independent PAC that donated to his campaign without his direct involvement or knowledge.

Colom also disputed Hyde-Smith’s assertion that he opposed legislation to protect female athletes. He clarified that he supported gender-affirming healthcare, unrelated to the claims she made.

“If confirmed as a judge, my views on policy matters would not impact my judicial duties,” Colom stated. However, Hyde-Smith maintained her stance against his nomination.

Narrow Victory in Mississippi

The Mississippi race concluded with Colom declared the winner by a margin of just under 4,700 votes, following a prolonged vote-counting process due to tight competition.

The contest was unexpected in its competitiveness, given Mississippi’s Republican leanings, evidenced by former President Donald Trump’s victory by over 20 percentage points in 2024.

Colom’s momentum built in the weeks before the election, with his campaign emphasizing the rising cost of living. A viral ad highlighted Hyde-Smith’s indifferent response to rising beef prices by suggesting people choose another protein. “Pick another senator instead,” Colom retorted in his ad.