Mississippi Democrat's Senate lead grows as Hyde-Smith stays silent

Democratic challenger Scott Colom's lead over Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith in Mississippi's Senate race grew to 2,010 votes, prompting Colom to demand Hyde-Smith publicly address the count and prepare to concede. Colom, who would be Mississippi's first Black senator since 1870, criticized Hyde-Smith's silence while state GOP Chairman Mike Hurst affirmed Republicans would accept a Colom victory if laws are followed. Colom's lead has expanded as affidavit and absentee ballots are tallied, with more votes due by November 10. Colom's campaign warned officials against an NRSC request to segregate affidavit ballots, calling it a "desperate stunt." Hyde-Smith blocked Colom's 2023 federal judgeship nomination over trans rights support, a move observers say may have contributed to her potential defeat.