Jackson, Miss. – Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson confirmed Friday that the official vote count for the U.S. Senate race is now complete for all 82 counties. The certification includes the processing of 21,344 affidavit ballots, of which roughly 73% were accepted after verification.
Certified results
According to the final tally, Democrat‑turned‑independent candidate Scott Colom secured 479,404 votes, representing 49.3% of the total ballots cast. Incumbent Republican Senator Cindy Hyde‑Smith received 471,817 votes, or 48.6%, leaving Colom with a lead of 7,587 votes. Independent candidate Ty Pinkins earned 20,439 votes, accounting for 2.1% of the vote.
Secretary of State’s statement
Watson posted on the social‑media platform X, “Congrats to our entire team for a job well done!” The statement highlighted the thoroughness of the vote‑counting process and the dedication of election officials across the state.
What the numbers mean for Mississippians
The close margin underscores the competitive nature of the race and reflects a high level of voter engagement in Mississippi’s federal election. With the results now certified, the state prepares for the upcoming swearing‑in ceremony for Senator‑elect Colom, who will join the Senate in January.
Affidavit ballot processing
Affidavit ballots, which are used by voters who are unable to cast a regular ballot on Election Day, were processed statewide. The 73% acceptance rate indicates that the majority of these ballots met the required verification standards, ensuring that legitimate votes were counted while maintaining election integrity.
Looking ahead
Mississippi’s election officials will continue to monitor any post‑election challenges or recount requests in accordance with state law. The Secretary of State’s office encourages any voters with concerns about the process to contact the office directly.
For more detailed results by county, voters can visit the Mississippi Secretary of State’s official website.
Original reporting: Action News 5 WMC (Gray) — read the source article.
