Colom Takes Lead in Mississippi Senate Race as Ballot Count Continues

UPDATE - follow-up to Democrats win Senate control, Schumer vows "legislative razor wire" against Trump: Democrat Scott Colom now leads incumbent Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde‑Smith in Mississippi by roughly 2,500 votes as of Friday night, with thousands of ballots still pending. ## Race Details Colom’s lead grew from just over 1,700 votes on Thursday midday to a little over 1,000 votes later, and the latest count shows a margin of about 2,500 votes. Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson reports roughly 3,600 absentee ballots remain to be received and an unknown number of affidavit (provisional) ballots awaiting eligibility checks. Absentee ballots must arrive within five business days; affidavit ballots must be processed before the 10‑day certification deadline on Nov 13. CBS News rates the contest a toss‑up. ## Legal Moves The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee has sent lawyers to the state to watch the count. The National Republican Senatorial Committee and the Hyde‑Smith campaign asked counties to separate and preserve all affidavit ballots, calling the move a “desperate stunt.” NRSC regional press secretary Samantha Cantrell said the party is “committed to ensuring that every single lawful ballot is accurately counted.” Mississippi Republican Party Chair Mike Hurst warned the election is “far from being over” and noted party attorneys are stationed statewide. Hyde‑Smith posted on X that “thousands of votes remain to be counted” and expects those to secure her victory. Mississippi law does not allow recounts; the winner will be decided by a simple plurality. ## Context Mississippi’s close Senate race illustrates how pending absentee and provisional ballots can swing tight contests, especially when both parties mobilize legal teams to oversee the final count.