Scott Colom, a Black Democrat and prosecutor, is running a long-shot campaign to unseat Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith in Mississippi, a state with a deep-rooted history of white conservative leadership. Colom's bid is drawing attention as Democrats seek paths to expand their narrow majority in the U.S. Senate, with campaign strategists pointing to a combination of factors that could make the race competitive.
Colom, who grew up in Mississippi and whose father once supported Ronald Reagan, is framing Hyde-Smith as a rubber stamp for Washington policies that he argues are making everyday life less affordable for Mississippians. He has specifically criticized former President Donald Trump's tariffs and the Republican-controlled Congress for what he calls capitulation on issues affecting the state. "Our junior senator has totally given away our voice. She’s not worried about us at all," Colom told The Associated Press.
Hyde-Smith's campaign, through aides, declined an interview but expressed confidence. Campaign manager Jake Monssen characterized Colom as a candidate supported by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and donor George Soros, aiming to portray him as out of step with Mississippi voters. Schumer recently held a fundraiser for Colom, and Sen. Angela Alsobrooks, Maryland's first Black senator, traveled to Mississippi to support his candidacy, suggesting other Democratic senators may follow.
Colom's campaign draws parallels to historical struggles for civil rights in Mississippi, a state where Black residents constitute about 37% of the population and roughly a third of the electorate. The NAACP and other groups are focused on increasing Black voter registration and turnout, efforts that could be crucial in closing the gap. Charles Taylor, Mississippi NAACP Executive Director, stated that "Mississippi is not just a moral argument. It is simple math."
While Colom largely avoids dwelling on Mississippi's racial history, he emphasizes a desire for a representative who will "look out for them, regardless of race." His father, Wilbur Colom, a former Republican state treasurer candidate, has analyzed turnout scenarios, suggesting Colom could succeed by increasing the Black share of the electorate to 35% and securing closer to 25% of the white vote, a challenging but potentially achievable goal.
Colom has also focused on economic issues, criticizing Republican policies that he claims have harmed Mississippi farmers and left many residents without health insurance. He noted that Mississippi has not expanded Medicaid and that Hyde-Smith allowed expanded insurance premium subsidies to expire. Colom also criticized Hyde-Smith for using campaign funds at Las Vegas hotels, while her campaign stated she travels to community events and visits Las Vegas annually for a professional rodeo-related fundraiser.
Hyde-Smith's campaign has sought to characterize Colom as aligned with progressive policies on issues like gender identity and taxation, aiming to appeal to the state's conservative majority. Steve Rogers, a 73-year-old voter from Brandon, expressed support for Hyde-Smith, stating that "any Democrat’s wasting their time," though he acknowledged Trump's potential impact on the race.
Colom has acknowledged financial support from the Soros family but stressed that he is not guided by partisanship, citing his prosecution of a Democratic sheriff as an example. Judy Weiner, a poll worker in Hinds County, contrasted Hyde-Smith with her predecessor, the late Sen. Thad Cochran, suggesting Hyde-Smith lacks Cochran's ability to secure appropriations and aid constituents independently of presidential influence.
Financially, Hyde-Smith had raised $3.8 million and had $2.5 million remaining through June of the election cycle. Colom raised $2.8 million and had $850,000 remaining. Colom, however, outpaced Hyde-Smith in individual contributions from the start of 2025. Given Mississippi's relatively inexpensive media markets, national party committees or super PACs could potentially make significant late investments in the race.