Colom had been viewed as a long-shot candidate in a state that has not elected a Democrat to the US Senate in more than 40 years. A short campaign ad that went viral in October helped change the race’s profile. It showed Hyde-Smith responding to a local television anchor’s question about rising beef prices by saying people had other sources of protein. The ad cut to a man grilling burgers, who said he would rather choose another senator.
The message resonated with voters worried about food costs and attracted national Democratic backing, according to The New York Times. The Senate Majority PAC invested $2.2 million, and the Democratic Senate campaign organisation contributed another $500,000. Former President Barack Obama recorded an endorsement ad, while Bill Clinton, Kamala Harris and several Democratic senators campaigned for Colom.
Colom also appeared at a Trump rally held in support of Hyde-Smith. He spoke with people outside about healthcare, grocery bills and fuel prices, took selfies with rally-goers and later said he had won over some Republican voters, The New York Times reported. In an interview with CNN, he pledged to work for lower grocery prices, an end to wars and the full release of the Epstein files.
Black voters, who make up around 37 per cent of Mississippi’s population, also gave Colom strong support. He performed particularly well in predominantly Black counties. The final count may take several more days: counties can accept certain mailed and provisional ballots until next Tuesday, and certified results are due to the state by 13 November. Mississippi has no standard recount process for statewide general elections; the result is expected to be certified by 3 December.
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