6 November 2026
HATTIESBURG, MS – Mississippi’s U.S. Senate race is still not decided three days after the election. Democrat Scott Colom now leads Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith by about 2,500 votes, and thousands of ballots are still out. Also tonight: 11 Pine Belt census tracts are on the state’s new Opportunity Zones list, a second Republican jumped into the 2027 race for secretary of state, the state is handing out 30,000 free smoke alarms, a new statewide plan guides child abuse cases, and Southern Miss lost at home to James Madison.
Where does the Senate race stand?
Colom leads Hyde-Smith by about 2,500 votes as of Friday night, WDAM reported. That is up from about 1,700 votes on Thursday. The Associated Press estimated about 30,000 votes were still outstanding as of late Friday afternoon, down from about 44,000 that morning, according to an AP story published by the Mississippi Free Press. Counties must certify results by Nov. 13.
Mississippi has no automatic recount, and candidates cannot ask for one. A recount happens only if a court orders it, the AP reported. Both campaigns have legal teams ready, WDAM reported. Secretary of State Michael Watson told the Magnolia Tribune the state will not know the total number of affidavit ballots “until the counties process each one.”
Why it matters here: Forrest County flipped to Colom on election night, WDAM reported, and its affidavit ballots are still being counted. If you voted by affidavit anywhere in the Pine Belt because you did not have a photo ID, you must show ID to your circuit clerk by close of business Tuesday, Nov. 10, the Magnolia Tribune reported. If you do not, your vote will not count. For more, see Thursday’s statewide headlines and our Pine Belt election coverage.
Did the Pine Belt get new Opportunity Zones?
Yes. Gov. Tate Reeves said Thursday the U.S. Treasury approved 102 Mississippi census tracts as new Opportunity Zones, spread across 50 counties, his office announced. Of those, 78 are rural. The zones give tax breaks to investors who put money into low-income areas. They take effect Jan. 1, 2027, and last 10 years, the governor’s office said. Reeves said the zones will help “attract private capital,” and he wants “communities in every corner of our state to share in that success,” the Magnolia Tribune reported.
Why it matters here: The Mississippi Development Authority’s list shows 11 tracts in the Pine Belt. Forrest County has four, Jones and Marion have two each, and Lamar, Covington and Wayne have one each. Perry, Greene and Jefferson Davis counties have none. MDA’s page says Treasury will formally certify the zones in the coming weeks.
Who is running for secretary of state?
Whitney Lipscomb, a Republican and former deputy attorney general, announced a run for secretary of state Thursday night, WLBT reported. It is her first run for office. She is the second Republican in the race, joining Shuwaski Young, the Magnolia Tribune reported. Watson is leaving the office to run for lieutenant governor. Lipscomb said she wants an election security division and fee waivers for veterans who file business papers.
There is no specific Pine Belt angle yet. This is statewide news worth knowing, because the secretary of state runs elections and business filings for every county.
How can I get a free smoke alarm?
The State Fire Marshal’s Office is sending 30,000 smoke alarms to local fire departments to give away and install for free, WLBT reported. State Fire Marshal Mike Chaney said Mississippi has “the highest number of fire deaths per-capita in the nation.” The alarms last 10 years.
Why it matters here: WLBT named only Jackson-area departments so far. Pine Belt residents should call their local fire department to ask whether it has alarms to give out.
What changed in child abuse cases?
Mississippi now has one statewide plan for how police, prosecutors and child welfare workers handle felony child abuse cases, WLBT reported. It replaces 82 separate county guidelines. Children’s Advocacy Centers of Mississippi CEO Karla Tye said the work took four years. Why it matters here: All nine Pine Belt counties now follow the same steps when a child abuse case is opened.
Also from the state: South Mississippi State Hospital in Purvis is collecting gifts for its 50 patients by Dec. 1, WDAM reported. Top needs are deodorant, shampoo and conditioner. Call (601) 794-0100 and ask for public relations.
How did Southern Miss do Thursday night?
James Madison beat Southern Miss 54-23 at Renasant Stadium in Hattiesburg, according to the Southern Miss schedule page. The Golden Eagles fell to 3-6 and 2-3 in the Sun Belt. They play next at Louisiana Tech on Nov. 14.
Saturday, Mississippi State hosts Vanderbilt for homecoming at 3:15 p.m. on SEC Network, WDAM reported.
FAQ
Has the Mississippi Senate race been called?
No. Colom led by about 2,500 votes Friday night, WDAM reported.
When must affidavit voters show ID?
By close of business Tuesday, Nov. 10, at your county circuit clerk’s office.
Can there be a recount?
Only if a court orders one, according to the AP.
Which Pine Belt counties got Opportunity Zones?
Forrest, Jones, Marion, Lamar, Covington and Wayne, according to MDA.
When does Southern Miss play next?
Nov. 14 at Louisiana Tech.