Democrats Make Aggressive Push in Mississippi Senate Race
The Senate Democrats’ main campaign spending group is making a notable move in Mississippi’s U.S. Senate race, traditionally a Republican stronghold. The Senate Majority PAC, which is connected to Democratic Senate Leader Chuck Schumer from New York, plans a $1.2 million television advertisement to promote Scott Colom, who is running against Republican Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith.
The advertisement is set to air Wednesday and continue until Election Day. Lauren French, spokesperson for the group, explained that Colom’s competitive campaign has challenged Hyde-Smith significantly. With only two weeks remaining in the race, the advertisement’s impact is uncertain, though it’s a major investment in a race with total spending of approximately $8 million.
Colom has outspent Hyde-Smith, investing nearly $4.6 million compared to her $3.2 million, as reported by AdImpact. Hyde-Smith’s campaign manager, Jake Monssen, acknowledged the late intervention but expressed confidence that voters would reject this aggressive approach at the polls on November 3.
Democratic leaders see Hyde-Smith, appointed and elected in 2018, as potentially vulnerable. Despite Mississippi’s Republican dominance, Democrats point out that Hyde-Smith performed less favorably than Donald Trump, who won the state by about 23 points in the 2024 presidential race.
The advertisement highlights Colom’s achievements as a district attorney, while labeling Hyde-Smith ineffective, noting her failure in passing legislation and her vote against maintaining Medicaid coverage. This campaign is complemented by statewide digital efforts.
High-profile Democrats have actively supported Colom, with Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock recently campaigning alongside him, and Kamala Harris set to join him soon. Colom’s campaign manager, Gerard Henderson, credited the extensive volunteer efforts and donations fueling their competitive stance.
The excitement surrounding Colom’s campaign coincides with broader Democratic optimism. Despite Republicans holding a 53-47 Senate majority, higher costs and other challenges give hope to Democratic efforts. The Senate Majority PAC seeks opportunities in traditionally conservative regions, with investments also planned in Kansas.
Should Colom win, he would be Mississippi’s first Black senator since the Reconstruction era. This achievement would mark a significant historical milestone. Nonetheless, some Democrats feel national organizations are missing chances by not heavily investing in Southern states like Mississippi.
Georgia’s Senator Warnock expressed concern on NBC’s “Meet the Press” about missed opportunities to focus resources in the South. He emphasized the importance of sustained investment in these regions.
A free press is critical for democratic health. Support trusted journalism and civil debate.