Mississippi U.S. Senate race remains too close to call

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - Mississippi’s U.S. Senate race remains too close to call Saturday night, four days after the election, between incumbent Cindy Hyde-Smith and Democratic challenger Scott Colom.

The state is still counting ballots to determine who will take office next year.

Alaska and Mississippi are the two states still waiting for results.

Colom leads with 97% counted

As of Saturday, Colom was leading with 97% of votes counted. Election data shows Colom ahead by about 2,500 votes.

Colom said he remains confident.

“This is the commitment I made to the voters when I was out campaigning,” Colom said. “I’m not going to stop showing up, listening, letting people know I care about them.”

Ballots still under review

Thousands of ballots still need to be reviewed, including absentee and provisional ballots. Some voters were also turned away on Election Day because of what election commissions are calling verification issues.

Provisional ballots come up when verification issues occur. Election officials said they are working to review them.

Kidada Brown of the Hinds County Election Commission said each ballot must be checked.

“We have to go through each one to determine whether they are eligible for their ballot to be accepted or rejected,” Brown said. “So we’re just asking people to be patient with us. We’re working hard.”

Candidates respond

Hyde-Smith spoke to WLBT in Mississippi about the count.

“We are not backing down. This election is not over,” Hyde-Smith said. “Our team is working across Mississippi to monitor the remaining ballots and protect the integrity of the process. We will see this through to the very end.”

Colom said his team is working to make sure voters’ voices are heard.

“We got an army of lawyers,” Colom said. “Those election commissioners and circuit clerks, they’re not going to be intimidated.”

Certification deadline

Mississippi is one of three states without early voting. The state has until Friday, Nov. 13, to certify the remaining ballots and determine the winner.

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