Jackson, Miss. – The latest unofficial tally released Friday afternoon shows Democrat challenger Scott Colom holding a slim advantage over incumbent Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde‑Smith in the tightly contested U.S. Senate race. At approximately 2:45 p.m., Colom had amassed 467,153 votes, representing 49.1% of the counted ballots, while Hyde‑Smith trailed with 465,124 votes, or 48.8%. The margin stands at 2,029 votes, with an estimated 96.8% of the total votes already reported.
Candidate reactions
When asked about the close race, Colom emphasized the importance of accepting the democratic process. “I’m ready to accept the results, right? That’s what our democracy is all about. When people lose, they can’t be sore losers; they have to accept the results,” he said. Colom also pressed the incumbent for a direct response, questioning why Hyde‑Smith had not spoken for herself and why she relied on Chairman Hurst to address the media.
Sen. Hyde‑Smith, refusing to concede, issued a statement affirming her campaign’s determination to continue monitoring the remaining ballots. “We are not backing down. This election is not over. Our team is working across Mississippi to monitor the remaining ballots and protect the integrity of the process. We will see this through to the very end!” she declared.
What the numbers mean
The near‑even split reflects a highly competitive race in a state that has traditionally leaned Republican in federal elections. With less than two percent of the total vote still uncounted, the final outcome could hinge on the remaining precincts. Both campaigns have urged supporters to stay engaged as the count proceeds.
Looking ahead
Election officials will continue to certify the results once all ballots are processed. The close margin underscores the importance of every vote and highlights the vigorous engagement of Mississippi voters in this pivotal Senate contest.
For readers seeking updates, WLBT will provide ongoing coverage as the count progresses and the final certification is announced.
Original reporting: Action News 5 WMC (Gray) — read the source article.
