Democrats Launch $1.2M Ad Campaign in Mississippi Senate Battle

The Senate Majority PAC, a prominent super PAC aligned with Senate Democrats, has kicked off a robust advertising campaign in the Mississippi Senate race, aiming to challenge Republican dominance in the state. This strategic move highlights an ambitious effort by Democrats to gain seats in traditionally red territories.

Colom's Campaign Gains Momentum

With a substantial investment of $1.2 million, the campaign features a compelling 30-second advertisement that promotes Scott Colom, the Democratic candidate and local prosecutor. The ad focuses on Colom's commitment to combat corruption across party lines and frames incumbent Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith as ineffective.

“Senate Majority PAC has been watching this race closely, and it is clear Colom is running a competitive race that has put Hyde-Smith on her heels,” stated Lauren French, the spokesperson for the super PAC.

According to French, the PAC will utilize both television and digital channels to amplify Colom's message and reach more voters as Election Day approaches.

Looking to Flip the Senate

This campaign is part of a broader strategy by Senate Democrats, particularly in light of diminishing approval ratings for former President Donald Trump. With a goal to gain at least four seats to regain control of the Senate, Democrats are targeting several states that Trump previously won by wide margins.

Mississippi, known for its deep Republican leanings, is a significant focus for the PAC. Trump won the state by an impressive 23 points in the last election, and it has been over four decades since a Democrat secured a Senate seat in Mississippi.

Expanding the Battlefield

The Senate Majority PAC is also making investments in states like Kansas, where Trump won by 16 points, as well as Alaska, Texas, and Iowa—all regions where Trump emerged victorious by double digits in 2024.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, have both endorsed Colom as a strong candidate. Colom, who announced his campaign last year, cited Hyde-Smith's support for Trump’s contentious tax policy, which reduced Medicaid funding, as a key motivator behind his decision to run.

A Complicated History

The race is further intensified by the complex history between Colom and Hyde-Smith. During the Biden administration, Hyde-Smith notably blocked Colom’s nomination for a federal judgeship. Despite this past conflict, Colom has expressed a willingness to move forward, stating he has forgiven her.

Hyde-Smith, who received Trump’s endorsement and is vying for her second full term in the Senate after being appointed in 2018, previously won her full term in 2020 by a margin of 10 points.