The powerful network associated with philanthropist George Soros is investing in Mississippi’s Senate race, where Democrat Scott Colom is challenging incumbent Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith. Supporters believe Colom can flip the deep-red state, a feat not achieved by a Democrat in nearly 40 years.
Michael Vachon, a top advisor to George Soros, expressed confidence in Colom’s candidacy during a recent call with Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and former Rep. Joe Kennedy, D-Mass. Vachon stated that the current national and local conditions are favorable for Colom, describing him as a strong candidate running against a weak opponent. He identified a key challenge for Colom as a lack of name recognition, which he believes can be overcome with financial investment. "Once people know who he is and know his story and know he’s running, then they want to vote for him," Vachon said. "And, you know, what stands in the way of that name recognition, honestly, is money, right?"
Federal Election Commission filings indicate that members of the Soros family have contributed nearly $30,000 to Colom's campaign this cycle. Nathan Calvert, Hyde-Smith's communications director, criticized the backing, stating, "Scott Colom has always relied on the backing of out-of-state liberal elites, and now George Soros’ political network and Elizabeth Warren are openly treating Mississippi as the next stepping stone to enacting their radical national agenda."
Colom, a district attorney, has asserted that his campaign is grassroots-powered and that he will prioritize the voices of Mississippians over donors or special interests. He has drawn a contrast with Hyde-Smith, whom he accused of answering to those who contribute to her campaign, citing fertilizer companies under federal investigation that have donated to her. Records show Hyde-Smith has received $14,000 in donations from fertilizer industry donors since 2018, including funds from Koch Industries and Nutrien.
During the call, Warren discussed potential policy initiatives that a Democratic Senate majority might pursue, including passing the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, ending gerrymandering, and advocating for D.C. statehood. Colom's campaign has highlighted his record as a district attorney as proof of his decision-making process, stating it is based on evidence and the law, not financial contributions.
