12 November 2026
HATTIESBURG, MS – Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith has conceded Mississippi’s U.S. Senate race to Democrat Scott Colom, and the state’s clout in a Democratic-led Congress is already shifting. Also in this edition: three Pine Belt players named Mr. Football, 25 new jobs coming to Leakesville, a state ruling on an out-of-state mover, and two more elections on the local calendar.
What did Hyde-Smith say after the Senate race was called?
The Associated Press projected Colom the winner shortly before 5 p.m. Wednesday, with a lead of 4,669 votes and 99% of the vote reported, as Pine Belt Guide reported this morning. Hyde-Smith conceded in a video posted online. “While this is not the outcome we worked for or hoped for, I respect the decision of Mississippi voters,” she said, according to the Deseret News. She also congratulated Colom. Colom, 43, is the Lowndes County district attorney, per the Mississippi Free Press. PBS NewsHour said he would be the state’s first Black U.S. senator since Reconstruction.
Why it matters here: Forrest County flipped to Colom on election night, as Pine Belt Guide reported. The results are still unofficial until counties certify them, which they must do by Friday, Nov. 13.
How does the change in Congress affect Mississippi?
With Democrats now holding majorities, Mississippi’s Republicans lose some of their top posts, Sid Salter wrote in a Magnolia Tribune column. He said Sen. Roger Wicker loses his Armed Services chairmanship but stays the top Republican on the panel. He called that the biggest change, since the committee oversees defense work in the state. Salter said Rep. Bennie Thompson could return as chair of the House Homeland Security Committee. He wrote that Rep. Mike Ezell, who chaired subcommittees on Transportation and Natural Resources, may face the hardest adjustment. With Colom’s win, Democrats hold 55 Senate seats, the Deseret News reported.
Why it matters here: Ezell represents the 4th District, which takes in Hattiesburg and much of the Pine Belt. Wicker’s Armed Services seat matters to military sites across the state, including Camp Shelby.
Which Pine Belt players won Mr. Football?
The Mississippi High School Activities Association named seven Mr. Football winners Tuesday, one per class, and three are from the Pine Belt, WDAM reported. Lumberton junior Jatyius Adams won in Class 1A. Heidelberg quarterback Chase Craft won Class 2A for the second time. His 177 career touchdown passes leave him 11 short of the state record. Poplarville running back Ty Keys, a Miami commit, won Class 4A for the second time. He holds the state record with 104 career rushing touchdowns.
Why it matters here: Lumberton is in Lamar County, Heidelberg is in Jasper County near Laurel, and Poplarville is just south of Lamar County in Pearl River County. All seven winners will be honored at the state title games, Dec. 3 to 5 at Mississippi State, WDAM said.
What jobs are coming to Greene County?
Universal Services, a fabrication company in Leakesville, plans a $4.25 million expansion that will add 25 jobs, Magnolia Tribune reported. The company will build a 16,000-square-foot building and add steel laser cutting and HVAC duct equipment. Gov. Tate Reeves praised the company’s work. The Mississippi Development Authority is helping through its MFLEX tax incentive program, and Greene County is also assisting. The work should be done by mid-2028, with all 25 jobs filled within three years.
Why it matters here: Leakesville is the Greene County seat. Owner Ryan Dobbins said the company started there more than 22 years ago.
What should voters know before the next elections?
Keenon Walker of the Mississippi Votes Action Fund said some voters who had used the same polling place for years were missing from the rolls this month, WDAM reported. He said “it’s more than likely due to Experian.” The Secretary of State’s Office says it uses Experian address data to keep voter rolls current. Walker urged voters to check their registration and polling place now.
Why it matters here: Two elections are coming. Forrest County has a chancery court runoff on Dec. 1. The special election for state Senate District 34 is Dec. 22, WDAM said. That seat covers parts of Forrest, Jones and Jasper counties, and a runoff, if needed, would be Jan. 19, Magnolia Tribune reported.
Why did the state turn down an out-of-state moving company?
The Mississippi Transportation Commission denied New Jersey-based Budd Van Lines a permit to haul goods within the state, Magnolia Tribune reported. Staff said the company has no location in Mississippi and would avoid fees and taxes that local movers pay. Two Mississippi movers objected. Southern District Commissioner Charles Busby first worried a denial would hurt competition, then backed the staff plan after getting more facts.
Why it matters here: Busby represents the Southern District, which includes the Pine Belt. The vote protects local movers who, objectors said, have seen three long-running companies close.
Which Mississippi college stars are up for national awards?
Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss is a Maxwell Award semifinalist, and Mississippi State cornerback Kelley Jones is a Bednarik Award semifinalist, Magnolia Tribune reported. Chambliss leads the SEC with 152 points responsible. Finalists for both awards will be named Nov. 24.
FAQ
Did Hyde-Smith concede? Yes. She conceded Wednesday in a video posted online and congratulated Colom.
When will results be certified? Counties must certify by Friday, Nov. 13.
Who are the Pine Belt Mr. Football winners? Jatyius Adams of Lumberton (1A), Chase Craft of Heidelberg (2A) and Ty Keys of Poplarville (4A).
How many jobs is Universal Services adding? 25 jobs in Leakesville, with a $4.25 million investment.
When is the Senate District 34 special election? Tuesday, Dec. 22. A runoff, if needed, is Jan. 19.