Democrats Pour $1.2M Into Mississippi Senate Race as National Figures Descend

Key points

• Senate Majority PAC announced a $1.2 million ad buy in Mississippi, launching its first spot on Wednesday.
• The ads attack Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith as a 'do-nothing' incumbent and boost challenger Scott Colom.
• Former VP Kamala Harris and former Secretary Pete Buttigieg are scheduled to campaign in the state this week and next.
• Democrats need a net gain of four Senate seats to take control, making red-state flips critical.
• Hyde-Smith’s campaign dismisses the race as competitive, calling Colom 'too liberal' and citing Schumer’s late entry.

Background

This investment follows a broader Democratic strategy of reallocating resources from secure states like North Carolina and Georgia to competitive red states such as Kansas and Texas. Democrats are leveraging a low approval rating for President Trump and a perceived 'do-nothing' record of Republican incumbents to target traditionally safe seats. Mississippi has not elected a Democrat to the Senate since 1982, making this a high-risk, high-reward play.

How outlets are covering it

While NBC News and AP News frame the move as a strategic expansion into deep-red territory to flip the Senate, the Commercial Dispatch offers a strong local endorsement of Colom, criticizing Hyde-Smith’s legislative inaction and lack of accessibility. Conversely, Hyde-Smith’s campaign, as reported by Politico, dismisses the competitiveness of the race, arguing that Democrats are only now entering the race and that Colom’s positions are too radical for Mississippi voters. The outlets agree on the financial commitment but differ on the likelihood of a Democratic victory, with local media expressing confidence in Colom’s moderate stance and national outlets noting the steep uphill battle in a state Trump won by 23 points in 2024.

Why it matters

A Democratic win in Mississippi would be a historic shift, signaling that national Democratic resources can overcome deep-red state advantages. It would also impact the balance of power in the Senate, where Democrats need a net gain of four seats to reclaim control. The involvement of high-profile figures like Harris and Buttigieg underscores the national significance of this race.

What to watch

The next 13 days will see intensified advertising and national campaigning in Mississippi. The outcome will likely hinge on voter turnout and the effectiveness of Democratic messaging in a state with a high proportion of Black voters and a strong Republican base. The race will also serve as a test of whether Democrats can successfully flip deep-red seats in the 2026 midterms.