Hyde-Smith and Colom Locked in Dead Heat as Mississippi Senate Tally Nears Completion
With 95.6% of ballots counted, the margin between the Republican and Democratic candidates stood at just 43 votes.
By Alina Campbell ·
Mississippi voters cast their ballots in a tightly contested U.S. Senate race that produced a virtual tie as Election Day concluded. The state’s top legislative seat is up for grabs in a general congressional contest, meaning the candidate with the most votes will secure the position without a runoff.
As of 3 a.m., election officials had processed 95.6% of the total votes. Democrat Scott Colom held a lead of 43 votes over incumbent Republican Cindy Hyde-Smith. Colom had accumulated 462,821 votes, while Hyde-Smith trailed with 462,778. Independent candidate Ty Pinkins received 19,935 votes in the three-way race.
Both candidates addressed their respective watch parties as the final tallies came in. Neither claimed an outright victory during their remarks, though both expressed confidence that they would be seated as Mississippi’s senator in the coming days.
Hyde-Smith told supporters that the campaign had been a strong effort. She stated, “We are in a very good lead right now. We still don’t have all the votes in, so we’re not calling all of it tonight, but we’re in a very good lead, and I assure you I will continue to be your U.S. Senator.”
Colom addressed his crowd with similar optimism about the outcome. He declared, “I’m telling you, deep down in my soul, I believe we’re about to show the country Mississippi matters.” He concluded his address by saying, “We’re going to win.”
The race remains undecided until the final vote count is certified. The 43-vote gap places the contest within the margin where a recount or final reporting of precincts could determine the winner.
