Mississippi Senate Race Hangs in Balance as Absentee Ballots Could Decide Outcome

Democrat Scott Colom leads Republican Cindy Hyde-Smith by a razor-thin margin in Mississippi, with thousands of absentee ballots still uncounted a week after Election Day. The outcome could defy expectations in the traditionally red state.

A week after voters cast their ballots, Mississippi’s Senate race remains too close to call, with Democrat Scott Colom clinging to a narrow lead over incumbent Republican Cindy Hyde-Smith. Election officials continue to count absentee and provisional ballots, leaving both campaigns—and the nation—waiting for a final verdict in what has become one of the most surprising contests of the midterms.

As of Monday evening, Colom led Hyde-Smith by just 2,536 votes, according to Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson. With about 2,578 outstanding absentee-by-mail ballots still eligible for acceptance, the race could still swing either way. Ballots postmarked by Election Day can be counted up to five business days afterward, meaning the final tally may not be known until midweek.

Counting Continues Amid High Stakes

Watson confirmed that 75 of Mississippi’s 82 counties have submitted unofficial results, while only one county has finalized its numbers ahead of the November 13 deadline. “Some have asked what it means when you see ‘unofficial results’? Those counties are still working through the process, so after each round of processing more votes, their totals increase,” Watson explained.

Election officials have also processed 15,547 affidavit ballots—used when a voter’s eligibility is in question—with an acceptance rate of roughly 76%, consistent with past cycles. Provisional ballots, often cast due to registration or ID issues, remain under review, with counties having until November 13 to finalize them.

Both Campaigns Voice Confidence

Colom’s campaign manager, Gerard Henderson, expressed optimism Monday, declaring, “We’re confident that once every lawful vote is counted, he’ll be Mississippi’s next U.S. senator.” Hyde-Smith, meanwhile, remained publicly measured when pressed by reporters on Capitol Hill, stating only, “They are counting votes,” before declining further comment. Fellow Mississippi Republican Senator Roger Wicker acknowledged Hyde-Smith still “has a chance.”

The tight margin has stunned political observers, as Mississippi is one of the reddest states in the country. The race reflects a broader shift seen in last week’s elections, where Democrats exceeded expectations by flipping GOP-held Senate seats in Kansas, South Carolina, and Texas.

With the balance of the Senate at stake, all eyes remain on Mississippi as officials rush to certify the final count. The outcome could hinge on a handful of votes—and a prolonged legal battle looms should either side challenge the results.

Source: www.dailywire.com — https://www.dailywire.com/news/mississippi-gives-ballot-update-one-week-after-election-as-voters-wait-on-potential-upset