Mississippi’s 2026 U.S. Senate election is set for November 3, with primaries on March 10 and potential runoffs following. The contest centers on the seat held by Republican Cindy Hyde-Smith, who is seeking a second full term after her appointment in 2018, a special election victory that year, and a win in 2020 with 54.1 percent of the vote. The race has drawn challengers from within her party, as well as Democrats and independents, in a state that has not elected a Democrat to the Senate since 1982. Early fundraising shows Hyde-Smith with a significant cash advantage, reporting $1.45 million on hand as of June 30, 2025.
The Incumbent’s Strong Position
Cindy Hyde-Smith, a Brookhaven native and former state agriculture commissioner, has positioned herself as a staunch advocate for Mississippi’s farming interests and conservative priorities. She emphasizes securing borders, restricting abortion access, and aligning with America First policies. Her close ties to the White House include direct communication with President Trump, who has endorsed her as fully committed to the agenda. Hyde-Smith’s campaign highlights her work on legislation to support rural communities and oppose excessive government spending.
Republican Primary Challengers Emerge
The Republican field includes newcomers challenging the incumbent without prior elected experience. Sarah Adlakha, a physician from Ocean Springs, launched her bid focusing on fighting Washington’s broken system and standing with Trump to secure borders and curb reckless spending. She has criticized career politicians for prioritizing personal interests over families and pledged to improve health care access while working across aisles. Adlakha reported $200,717 cash on hand as of June 30, 2025, largely from a personal loan.
Andrew Scott Smith, a Florence business owner in the pork rinds industry, styles himself as a conservative in the tradition of breaking monopolies. He aims to address economic consolidation, phase out Social Security, and federalize national debt for fiscal stability. Smith previously sought a congressional nomination in 2024.
Democratic Contenders Step Forward
Democrats have fielded candidates emphasizing social justice and economic reforms. Scott Colom, district attorney for Mississippi’s 16th Judicial District since 2016 and the first Black person in that role, entered the race criticizing Hyde-Smith’s record for favoring wealthy tax cuts and slashing social programs. He advocates raising the minimum wage and exempting law enforcement and teachers from federal income taxes. Colom’s bid follows a blocked federal judicial nomination in 2023.
Priscilla Williams-Till, a Jackson civil rights activist and cousin of Emmett Till, is running to enact laws addressing historical inequalities and protecting marginalized groups. Her campaign seeks to represent communities facing hate and discrimination, promoting an equitable society.
Independents Join the Fray
Ty Pinkins, a Vicksburg lawyer and veteran with 21 years of military service, is running as an independent after leaving the Democratic Party in June 2025. He cited frustration with party leaders prioritizing fundraising over issues like health care, veterans’ support, and education. Pinkins lost Democratic nominations for secretary of state in 2023 and Senate in 2024. He reported $5,392 cash on hand as of June 30, 2025.
Albert Littell, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran from the Coast, has filed paperwork but provided limited campaign details.
Recent Polling Insights
Polling indicates potential vulnerability for the incumbent despite the state’s Republican lean. A poll conducted June 18-22, 2025, among 500 registered voters showed Hyde-Smith with 38 percent support against 46 percent preferring a generic opponent and 16 percent undecided. The same survey found her favorability at 44 percent favorable and 45 percent unfavorable, with independents viewing her unfavorably by a 65-20 margin and over 60 percent favoring an alternative. Among Black voters, 82 percent preferred someone else, with 13 percent undecided.
Key Issues Dominating the Campaign
Border security and economic priorities feature prominently, with Republicans stressing America First approaches to immigration and spending. Democrats highlight raising wages and tax relief for essential workers, while critiquing policies seen as benefiting the elite. Civil rights and equity also emerge, particularly from challengers tied to historical injustices. The race could see heavy outside spending, given national interest in flipping the seat.
Outlook for 2026
Mississippi remains solidly Republican in federal races, with predictions rating the seat as safe for the GOP. Hyde-Smith’s Trump endorsement and fundraising edge position her strongly in the primary and general election. Challengers face uphill battles in a midterm environment favoring conservatives, but early dissatisfaction in polls suggests the contest could tighten if turnout shifts. The filing deadline is December 26, 2025, leaving room for more entrants.