Mississippi voters haven’t selected a Democrat for the Senate in nearly 40 years. However, supporters of a Democratic contender are optimistic about changing that narrative by investing heavily in the race.
District Attorney Scott Colom is challenging Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith in Mississippi, a strong Republican state. Key supporters of Colom, such as billionaire philanthropist George Soros’ top advisor, believe he is well-positioned to contest the Senate seat.
Early this month, Colom’s supporters, including Senator Elizabeth Warren, former Representative Joe Kennedy, and Soros’ advisor Michael Vachon, discussed strategies for the campaign.
“Scott can win in Mississippi,” Vachon asserted during the call. “The conditions are favorable nationally and locally. He’s a formidable candidate running against a weak one, and there’s widespread discontent about the country’s direction.”
Vachon identified a main challenge for Colom, stating, “Not many people know who he is and that he’s running.” He emphasized the importance of increasing Colom’s name recognition, highlighting that funding is the primary obstacle.
The Soros family contributed nearly $30,000 to Colom’s campaign, as revealed by Federal Election Commission records.
Nathan Calvert, Hyde-Smith’s communications director, remarked, “Scott Colom depends on out-of-state liberal support. Now, Soros’ network and Elizabeth Warren are using Mississippi to push their national goals.”
Soros’ financial involvement also played a role in Colom’s previous clash with Hyde-Smith when his nomination as a district court judge was hindered due to the Biden administration’s efforts.
Hyde-Smith used the blue slip tradition in the Senate to oppose Colom’s nomination—a practice President Donald Trump aims to eliminate to stop Democratic opposition to his nominees.
Colom defended his record saying, “My decisions as a district attorney are guided by evidence and law, not financial backers.” He emphasized running a local campaign, adding, “I only heed the voices of Mississippians, unlike Cindy Hyde-Smith, who caters to her biggest donors.”
Hyde-Smith has received $14,000 from fertilizer industry donors since 2018, including $11,000 from Koch Industries and $3,000 from Nutrien, both under investigation for alleged price inflation.
Warren described a vision for a Democratic Senate majority, partly hinging on a Colom win. She highlighted passing the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, ending gerrymandering, and pushing for D.C. statehood as key objectives.