Politics · United States · 2 hrs ago
Democrat leads by 65 votes in unresolved Mississippi Senate race
Democrat Scott Colom narrowly leads Republican incumbent Cindy Hyde-Smith in Mississippi’s unresolved US Senate race.
With 96% of votes counted, Colom was ahead by 65 votes, and about 50,000 ballots remained.
Mississippi has not elected a Democrat to the Senate since 1982, and Hyde-Smith has held the seat since 2018.
A Colom win would add to Democrats’ Senate majority, after the party secured control of the chamber in other races.
Colom campaigned on the cost of living and health care, while the state’s large Black population saw high voter participation, according to the NAACP’s Mississippi director.
The narrow margin means every remaining ballot matters: Mississippi counts mail ballots postmarked by Election Day if they arrive within five business days.
The race may not be called until at least 10 November, and Mississippi does not allow candidates to request recounts.
Democrat Scott Colom led Republican incumbent Cindy Hyde-Smith by 65 votes with 96% of ballots counted in Mississippi’s unresolved Senate race.
About 50,000 ballots were still to be counted, according to the BBC.
Mississippi does not allow candidates to request recounts in close races, and mail-in ballots can arrive up to five business days after Election Day if postmarked by then.
A University of Mississippi political science professor said the race was likely to remain uncalled until at least November 10.
Colom campaigned on economic concerns and health care, while Hyde-Smith is seeking re-election after serving in the Senate since 2018.
- Who
- Democrat Scott Colom and Republican incumbent Cindy Hyde-Smith.
- What
- They are competing in an unresolved US Senate race. Colom led by 65 votes with 96% of the vote counted.
- When
- The results were reported on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
- Where
- Mississippi, United States.
- Why
- The race is close, with about 50,000 ballots still to be counted, including mail-in ballots.
Scott Colom
Cindy Hyde-Smith
Senate race
Scott Colom
Colom was leading by 65 votes with 96% of ballots counted.
Cindy Hyde-Smith
Hyde-Smith is the Republican incumbent seeking re-election.
Campaign focus
Scott Colom
Colom campaigned on cost-of-living and health care issues.
Cindy Hyde-Smith
Hyde-Smith relied on Mississippi’s conservative base, according to the BBC.
Hyde-Smith led with about 30% of votes counted.
With 96% of votes counted, Colom led by 65 votes and about 50,000 ballots remained, according to the BBC.
A University of Mississippi professor said the race was likely not to be called until at least this date.
- Lead
- Colom by 65 votes
- Counted
- 96% of votes
- Ballots outstanding
- About 50,000, according to the BBC
- Recount rules
- Mississippi does not allow candidates to request recounts in tight races
- Mail-in ballot deadline
- Five business days after Election Day if postmarked by Election Day
4 sources
What people are saying
Because the difference between the two candidates is so narrow, really, we're going to have to wait for every single vote received in any capacity to be counted
We saw long lines for absentee voting
The results are all trending in our direction