Colom Announces Senate Campaign

COLUMBUS, Miss. — District Attorney Scott Colom, a seventh-generation Mississippian, announced his campaign for the U.S. Senate on Wednesday, challenging incumbent Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith. Colom, known for his tough-on-crime stance and 94 percent conviction rate, criticized Hyde-Smith’s legislative record, accusing her of abandoning Mississippians in favor of out-of-state interests.

In his campaign launch video, Colom, a Democrat, highlighted his experience as a prosecutor, judge, and district attorney, where he has solved a record number of cold cases and held corrupt officials accountable. He stated his Christian faith guides his dedication to serving his community.

“Cindy Hyde-Smith has abandoned Mississippians and put out-of-state billionaires first,” Colom said, pointing to her vote to cut Medicaid, which he claims threatens the closure of rural hospitals. He also criticized her as one of the least effective senators.

Colom, a lifelong resident of Columbus, comes from a family with a history of public service; his mother, Judge Dorothy Colom, was the first African American elected to her region’s Chancery Court, and his father, Wilbur Colom, was an attorney who worked for Ronald Reagan. Colom said he is running to lower costs, save hospitals, and bring jobs to Mississippi. He also stressed his willingness to work with both Republicans and Democrats to achieve his goals.

As District Attorney, Colom has successfully prosecuted high-profile cases, including securing a 105-year prison sentence for a sexual predator and holding a corrupt sheriff accountable. He has also emphasized the importance of job creation and education as crime prevention tools.