Democrat Scott Colom currently holds a slim lead of 2,574 votes over Republican incumbent Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith in Mississippi’s U.S. Senate race. However, the outcome remains unresolved, as state officials report that more than 14,000 affidavit ballots and over 2,700 absentee ballots have yet to be counted. With the number of outstanding ballots far exceeding the current margin, the final result could still shift in either candidate’s favor, keeping the race highly competitive and drawing national attention.

Mississippi, a state typically considered a Republican stronghold, has become the focus of intense scrutiny as the Senate contest remains too close to call. The race’s uncertainty is largely due to the significant number of ballots cast by voters whose eligibility was questioned at the polls. These include affidavit ballots, which are used when voters lack required photo identification or encounter other eligibility issues. Under Mississippi law, affidavit ballots can be rejected if voters do not provide the necessary identification within five days or if there are discrepancies in signatures or registration information. Additionally, absentee ballots postmarked by Election Day are eligible to be counted if they are received within five days after the election.

Outstanding Ballots and Deadlines

Secretary of State Michael Watson, a Republican, provided an update on the ballot counting process. As of Monday, only 75 out of Mississippi’s 82 counties had uploaded unofficial results. Watson reported that there are still 2,732 absentee mail-in ballots outstanding. The deadline for county election officials to receive these absentee ballots is Tuesday. In addition, 14,239 affidavit ballots have been processed so far, with approximately 77% of them accepted. This means that a significant portion of the affidavit ballots could still be rejected, depending on whether voters provide the required identification or if there are issues with their registration.

All counties in Mississippi are required to submit certified election results by Friday. This timeline means that the official outcome of the Senate race may not be known until the end of the week, as election officials work to verify, process, and count the remaining ballots.

Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith emphasized the importance of ensuring every vote is counted and the integrity of the process is maintained. “We are not backing down. This election is not over. 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!” Hyde-Smith said in a statement.

The close margin has prompted both legal and political actions from the campaigns. On Thursday, attorneys representing Hyde-Smith and the National Republican Senatorial Committee reached out to all 82 county election officials. They requested that affidavit ballots be separated and preserved, a move designed to ensure that these ballots can be reviewed and, if necessary, challenged during the certification process. Hyde-Smith’s campaign has reiterated its commitment to monitoring the process closely and ensuring that all ballots are handled according to state law.

Last week, Hyde-Smith’s campaign made it clear that they intend to contest the results until every ballot is reviewed. This approach underscores the high stakes of the race and the determination of both sides to see the process through to its conclusion.

On the other side, Scott Colom has criticized political analysts who described his campaign as a long shot. Colom argued that such assessments made it more difficult to raise funds and contributed to the broader challenges faced by Democratic candidates in the South. “They made it much more difficult to fundraise and are part of the reason the South has been neglected for so long,” Colom posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. Colom’s remarks highlight the uphill battle faced by Democrats in traditionally Republican states and the impact that national perceptions can have on local races.

Certification and Next Steps

Mississippi officials have until Friday to certify the election results. With the number of outstanding affidavit and absentee ballots still significantly higher than the current vote margin, the final outcome remains in doubt. Both the Hyde-Smith and Colom campaigns have signaled that they will closely monitor the counting process and are prepared for any legal challenges that may arise.

While Hyde-Smith’s team has made formal legal requests regarding the handling and preservation of affidavit ballots, the Colom campaign has not publicly commented on these actions. The focus for both campaigns now shifts to the meticulous process of verifying and counting the remaining ballots, which will ultimately determine who represents Mississippi in the U.S. Senate.

As the state awaits the final certified results, the eyes of the nation remain on Mississippi, where the outcome of a closely watched Senate race hangs in the balance. The coming days will be critical as election officials work to ensure that every eligible vote is counted and the integrity of the process is upheld.