President Donald Trump campaigned in Corinth, Mississippi, on Monday, October 26, to bolster Republican Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith’s reelection bid. The rally, held one week before the November 3 general election, underscores Republican anxiety as the party defends deep-red seats amid a tightening contest against Democratic challenger Scott Colom.
Trump’s Closing Blitz in Corinth
President Trump arrived at the Crossroads Arena in Corinth, Mississippi, on Monday evening to headline a rally for Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith. Addressing a crowd in the state’s 1st Congressional District—a region Trump carried with 68 percent of the vote in 2024—the former president explained his presence in a state he won by 23 percentage points in 2024, telling supporters, I’m here because Cindy’s doing great, but I just got to make sure. I can’t take a chance.
The visit to the ruby-red state stunned election observers, highlighting the challenges facing Republicans as they aim to hold power in Washington. Trump, who officially endorsed Hyde-Smith’s re-election bid in March 2025 by calling her 100% MAGA,
has now backed her in three election cycles. Trump also mentioned the 2024 election results, stating he won the state by 23 percentage points.
The Challenge from Scott Colom
Hyde-Smith faces a competitive challenge from Democrat Scott Colom, a district attorney from Columbus. Colom has campaigned on issues including healthcare cuts, beef prices, and grocery costs, while criticizing the senator’s support for Trump’s tax and spending laws. In response to the rally, Colom stated, Hyde-Smith is scared and that’s why she’s sending Donald Trump down here,
while simultaneously challenging the president to a debate.
Colom has been boosted by visits from high-profile Democrats, including former President Barack Obama, who cut a 30-second ad for the candidate, as well as former Vice President Kamala Harris, and Senators Raphael Warnock and Cory Booker. These appearances are part of a strategy to galvanize Mississippi’s Black voters, who comprise 36 percent of the state’s population.
Colom Outspends Hyde-Smith in Senate Race
Financial records indicate the intensity of the race; as of late October, Colom had outspent Hyde-Smith roughly $4.6 million to $3.2 million. Despite the spending disparity, Jake Monssen, Hyde-Smith’s campaign manager, maintained that the senator had not requested additional resources from her party. Meanwhile, Tim Scott, serving as chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, told The Associated Press that he believes GOP candidates are closing very strongly
in races across the country.
During the rally, Trump touched on various national topics, including the ongoing war with Iran, which he described as a little ceasefire, which I never liked very much,
calling the deal sort of a waste of time.
He also engaged directly with the audience, singling out an attendee he identified as a farmer and remarking on the beauty of Mississippi residents.
Election Day Outlook
Mississippi has not elected a Democrat to the U.S. Senate since 1982, and the state has supported Trump in every election he has appeared on the ballot, with his 2024 performance reaching 60.9 percent. Despite the state’s political history, Brandon Jones, a Mississippi Democratic strategist and former state representative, noted that the incumbent has left an opening, adding, President Trump is in Mississippi because Republicans believe Cindy Hyde-Smith is in trouble.
As the election approaches, Republican officials remain confident. A party official stated, We’re confident Mississippi will stay red and any Democrats or anonymous Republican operatives who tell you otherwise are high on their own supply.
With the polls set to open on November 3, the race remains a focal point for national observers tracking the balance of power in the Senate.
