Jackson, Miss. – In a tightly contested U.S. Senate race, incumbent Republican Senator Cindy Hyde‑Smith addressed reporters on Tuesday, urging Mississippians to remain patient while the vote‑counting process continues. Hyde‑Smith, who currently trails Democratic challenger Scott Colom by about 2,575 votes, said the message to the state is to “keep counting” and that “they’re still counting” votes.
Vote‑count still underway
Hyde‑Smith emphasized that thousands of ballots remain uncounted and that the campaign “feels confident” about the final outcome. “There are still thousands of votes out there,” she said, adding that the campaign is closely monitoring the tally as each precinct reports its results.
Colom’s lead and campaign response
According to the latest figures released by the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office, Colom leads Hyde‑Smith by more than 2,500 votes. When asked about Colom’s claim that the Republican incumbent has no viable path to victory, Hyde‑Smith responded, “He can say anything he wants,” before declining further questions on the matter.
Context of the race
This Senate contest has drawn national attention as one of the closest federal races in the 2026 midterm cycle. Both candidates have campaigned heavily across the state, highlighting issues such as economic development, agricultural policy, and public safety. Hyde‑Smith, first elected to the Senate in 2018, has framed her record as a defense of traditional values and a commitment to Mississippi’s families and businesses.
Colom, a former state representative, has positioned himself as a fresh voice for change, focusing on expanding access to health care and investing in education. The narrow margin has prompted both campaigns to mobilize volunteers for continued outreach and to encourage supporters to verify their registration status.
What voters should expect
Election officials have reiterated that the counting process will continue through the weekend, with final certification expected early next week. Voters are reminded that absentee and early‑vote ballots are still being processed, and that any challenges or recount requests will be handled according to state law.
Both campaigns have urged Mississippians to respect the integrity of the electoral process and to avoid spreading unverified information. As the race tightens, local media will continue to provide updates on vote totals and any procedural developments.
Looking ahead
Regardless of the final tally, the race underscores the importance of civic participation in Mississippi. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official state resources and to participate in future elections, ensuring that their voices are heard at the federal level.
Original reporting: Action News 5 WMC (Gray) — read the source article.
