Hyde-Smith defends Mississippi Senate seat against Colom and Pinkins
The WLBT segment previews the November 3, 2026, U.S. Senate race in Mississippi with incumbent Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith facing Democratic nominee Scott Colom and independent Ty Pinkins. It notes that unseating a senator has not happened in the state since 1942 and highlights incumbency advantages including name recognition and fundraising. Political scientists Deondre Orey and Glenn Antizzo discuss the narrow 2023 gubernatorial margin, potential Republican voter apathy due to the economy, and the risk that Pinkins could draw votes from Colom. Colom is pushing higher wages, lower costs, health care and rural hospitals via town halls; Hyde-Smith's campaign emphasizes her record on rural health care, national security, law enforcement and constituent services. The piece ends by warning of an imminent flood of ads and mailers as Election Day nears. Sourcing relies on two named local political-science professors for analysis, direct quotes from the candidates' campaigns, and historical context. No anonymous sources or external graphics are used; the report is straightforward local-news preview format with no studio panel.
Source: WLBT 3 On Your Side