Ty Pinkins Calls for Six Statewide Senate Debates Against Colom and Hyde-Smith
VICKSBURG, Miss. (Sept. 3, 2025) — Independent U.S. Senate candidate Ty Pinkins is challenging Democrat Scott Colom and incumbent Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith to a six-stop debate series across Mississippi leading up to the 2026 election.
Pinkins, who left the Democratic Party earlier this year to run as an Independent, said the debates would give voters a chance to hear directly from candidates outside of party labels. He announced the plan Wednesday, inviting both Colom and Hyde-Smith to participate.
“I announced my Senate campaign on Jan. 23, 2025, because Mississippians deserve a voice bigger than party labels,” Pinkins said. “I welcome Scott Colom to the race and invite Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith to join us on stage. More voices mean more voters — and better ideas for Mississippi.”
Proposed Debate Schedule
- November 2025 — Delta (Mississippi Valley State University)
- January 2026 — Columbus–Tupelo–West Point–Starkville (Mississippi State University/University of Mississippi)
- March 2026 — Meridian (Mississippi State University–Meridian)
- May 2026 — Gulf Coast (Gulf Coast Community College)
- September 2026 — Pinebelt (University of Southern Mississippi)
- October 2026 — Jackson (Jackson State University)
Pinkins emphasized that his campaign is about reaching every voter across the state.
“I’ll debate anyone, anywhere, anytime — let’s give folks a real choice,” Pinkins said. “Mississippi’s future is bigger than party labels. We’ll debate our differences and commit to higher turnout and a more informed electorate.”
