Democratic Senate Hopes in Mississippi Amid Strong Financial Backing

Mississippi has not seen a Democrat elected to the Senate in close to 40 years. However, supporters of Scott Colom, a district attorney, aim to change this trend by investing heavily in his campaign against the current senator, Cindy Hyde-Smith, in a predominantly Republican state.

Colom’s key backers include influential figures like billionaire philanthropist George Soros’ advisor and former representative Joe Kennedy. In a recent conversation with Senator Elizabeth Warren and Michael Vachon, a principal advisor to Soros, Colom’s supporters discussed the potential for his success.

Scott can win in Mississippi, Vachon stated. The conditions are right at both national and local levels. He’s a strong candidate challenging a weaker opponent, and nationwide discontent about the country’s state adds to his appeal.

Vachon highlighted the challenge of name recognition for Colom. “Once people learn about him and his campaign, support follows,” he added, noting that financial backing is crucial for increasing awareness.

The Soros family, through Federal Election Commission filings, has contributed nearly $30,000 to Colom’s campaign. Nathan Calvert, communications director for Hyde-Smith, noted, Scott Colom relies on support from liberal elites outside the state. Now, Soros’ network and Warren see Mississippi as fertile ground for advancing their national objectives.

Soros’ backing also played a role in a previous encounter between Colom and Hyde-Smith when she blocked his nomination for a district court judge in Mississippi by leveraging the blue slip veto power, a tradition opposed by former President Donald Trump.

Colom emphasizes his impartiality, saying his decisions are based on evidence rather than donor influence. I’m driven by the people of Mississippi, not special interests, Colom asserted. He contrasts himself with Hyde-Smith, whom he accuses of being driven by large donations at the expense of state residents.

An example cited involves donations from the fertilizer industry. Hyde-Smith has received $14,000 from industry donors under federal investigation, which Colom links to increased costs faced by Mississippi farmers.

Senator Warren expressed the potential impact of a Democratic victory in Mississippi. She envisions a strengthened Democratic Senate majority possibly enabled by Colom’s win, which could lead to significant policy changes including the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, ending nationwide gerrymandering, and establishing D.C. as a state.

Alex Miller is a correspondent for Fox News Digital, focusing on matters concerning the U.S. Senate.