Mississippi Senate Race: Can Scott Colom Turn a Deep-Red State Blue?
Grocery prices are still out of control. Hospitals are threatened with closure. Teachers and police are underfunded. These aren’t talking points for Scott Colom, the newly announced Democratic candidate for Senate in Mississippi; they’re the concerns he hears at the grocery store, from grand juries, and across his community. This hyperlocal focus, a deliberate contrast to what he calls “D.C. politics,” is the core of Colom’s audacious bid to unseat incumbent Republican Cindy Hyde-Smith in 2026 – and it could signal a shift in how Democrats approach seemingly unwinnable races.
The Uphill Battle: Mississippi’s Political Landscape
Mississippi is, undeniably, a Republican stronghold. Donald Trump won the state by 23 points in 2020, and Hyde-Smith secured her full term with a 10-point victory. Democrats need to net four seats in 2026 to regain control of the Senate, and Mississippi isn’t currently on the list of prime targets. However, Colom believes a different strategy – one rooted in addressing the everyday struggles of Mississippians – can disrupt the status quo. He frames his campaign as a direct response to Hyde-Smith’s priorities, citing her support for the 2017 tax cuts as a “final betrayal” that favored the wealthy at the expense of working families and vital social programs like Medicaid.
Beyond National Narratives: Colom’s Localized Approach
Colom’s emphasis on local issues isn’t merely rhetorical. He’s built his political career on a similar foundation. As a district attorney, he unseated a long-term incumbent in 2015 with the backing of a super PAC funded by George Soros, focusing on criminal justice reform and community safety. This history, while potentially a point of attack from Republicans, demonstrates his ability to connect with voters on a personal level. He’s acutely aware of the nationalization of politics, and actively positions himself against it. “I’m not focused on D.C. politics,” he stated in an interview with NBC News. “I don’t care what Mitch McConnell thinks.”
The Soros Factor and the Hyde-Smith Block
The involvement of George Soros in Colom’s past campaigns is likely to be a central theme of Republican attacks. Hyde-Smith herself previously cited his support as a reason for blocking Colom’s nomination for a federal judgeship during the Biden administration, raising concerns about his views on issues like women’s sports. Colom, who coaches his daughters’ soccer team, has explicitly stated his opposition to biological males competing in girls’ sports, attempting to preemptively address this potential line of attack. However, the narrative surrounding Soros’s influence will undoubtedly be amplified, potentially shaping public perception of Colom’s agenda. OpenSecrets.org provides detailed data on campaign finance and outside spending, offering further insight into the role of Super PACs in elections.
The Independent Challenge and Democratic Strategy
Colom isn’t the only challenger to Hyde-Smith. Attorney Ty Pinkins is running as an independent, potentially complicating the race and splitting the anti-Hyde-Smith vote. While Pinkins ran unsuccessfully as a Democrat in the previous election, his independent status could appeal to voters disillusioned with both major parties. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC), led by Senator Gary Peters, reportedly sees Colom as a viable candidate, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer having discussed his potential bid earlier this year. This suggests a willingness from the national party to invest in a long-shot race, potentially signaling a broader shift towards targeting traditionally Republican states with localized, issue-focused campaigns.
Looking Ahead: A Test Case for Democratic Innovation?
Colom’s campaign represents a fascinating experiment. Can a candidate successfully navigate the treacherous political terrain of Mississippi by focusing almost exclusively on local concerns and distancing themselves from the national Democratic brand? The outcome will likely hinge on his ability to effectively communicate his message, mobilize voters, and counter Republican attacks. If Colom can make the race competitive, it could provide a blueprint for Democrats seeking to expand their reach in other deep-red states. It also highlights a growing trend: the increasing importance of hyperlocal campaigning in an era of national polarization. The success or failure of this strategy will be closely watched by both parties as they prepare for the 2026 midterm elections.
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