Mississippi Senate Race: Colom Challenges Hyde-Smith Over Judgeship

Scott Colom is challenging incumbent Cindy Hyde-Smith for a U.S. Senate seat in Mississippi. His campaign is fueled by Hyde-Smith blocking his federal judgeship nomination in 2022.
By Newsroom | Politics, Mississippi |

Colom Aims to Unseat Hyde-Smith Over Blocked Judgeship

In a Mississippi race framed by personal contention, Democrat Scott Colom, a district attorney, is challenging Republican incumbent Cindy Hyde-Smith for a U.S. Senate seat. The core of Colom's campaign appears rooted in Hyde-Smith's 2022 opposition to his nomination for a federal judgeship, a move he now casts as the impetus for his candidacy. Both candidates have reportedly secured their party nominations, setting the stage for a November general election showdown. Hyde-Smith, who previously blocked Colom's judicial appointment, has now found herself facing him on the electoral battlefield.

Colom has spoken of emulating past Mississippi leaders and claims he will approach policy without partisan bias. He stated directly to a reporter on August 3, 2025, that Hyde-Smith had "never, not one time" returned a slip related to his nomination. His campaign has focused on Hyde-Smith's voting record, particularly concerning legislation aimed at infrastructure and domestic chip manufacturing.

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Hyde-Smith had cited past support for Colom from liberal donor George Soros, whose donations to a political action committee supporting Colom's earlier district attorney race were a stated reason for her opposition. The incumbent also fended off a primary challenge from physician Sarah Adlakha, who ran ads suggesting Hyde-Smith was beholden to special interests, while Hyde-Smith, endorsed by Donald Trump, characterized Adlakha as a "Chicago liberal."

The matchup is being watched as a potentially personalized contest, with Colom suggesting his challenge is a direct response to Hyde-Smith's actions. Some Democrats, including Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, have indicated potential strength in Colom's candidacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Scott Colom running for the U.S. Senate in Mississippi?
Scott Colom is challenging incumbent Cindy Hyde-Smith because she blocked his nomination for a federal judgeship in 2022. He sees this as a reason to run against her.
Q: What is Cindy Hyde-Smith's reason for blocking Colom's judgeship?
Hyde-Smith cited past support for Colom from George Soros as her reason for opposing his nomination. She mentioned donations made to a PAC supporting his earlier race for district attorney.
Q: When will the Mississippi Senate election take place?
The general election for the U.S. Senate seat in Mississippi, featuring Scott Colom and Cindy Hyde-Smith, will take place in November 2025. Both candidates have secured their party nominations.
Q: What issues are Scott Colom focusing on in his campaign?
Colom's campaign is focused on Hyde-Smith's voting record, particularly on legislation related to infrastructure and domestic chip manufacturing. He also aims to approach policy without partisan bias.
Q: Who is supporting Scott Colom's Senate bid?
Some Democrats, like Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, have shown support for Colom's candidacy. His campaign is also being watched by national political observers.