Colom’s lead grows to just under 3,000 votes as Mississippi Senate race continues

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - Votes are still being counted in Mississippi’s undecided Senate race more than a week after the midterm elections.

Democrat Scott Colom’s lead over Republican incumbent Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith has widened again. He now leads by just under 3,000 votes, at 2,990 votes as of 7:50 a.m. Wednesday.

A winner may not be announced until later this week, when the state’s official certification is due.

Colom’s comments

Colom has been speaking to the community and reporters. He said he respects that the process takes time to make sure all votes are accounted for, but he is confident he will be declared the winner.

“We need to understand the Democratic Party’s future has to include the South, and we can do that through picking the right committees, putting people like myself who can win very difficult races in positions where they can deliver for those voters so we can be competitive in the South.”

Hyde-Smith’s comments

Hyde-Smith spoke on camera for the first time since election night last week. The campaign has also sent statements.

Hyde-Smith said thousands of votes are still in question and she remains confident.

“We are still counting votes, and there are a few 1000. And we feel confident,” Hyde-Smith said.

Asked by a reporter what she would say to Colom, who says she has no path to victory, Hyde-Smith said, “He can say anything he wants.”

Rejected affidavit ballots in Hinds County

Some affidavit ballots in Hinds County were rejected because voters cast them at the wrong precinct, were registered in another county, or were not registered, according to the Hinds County Election Commission.

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