MERIDIAN, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed) Election Day is two weeks away. New money reports show where Mississippi candidates for Congress stands. In the Mississippi Senate race, Republican U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith has more cash on hand. However, Democrat Scott Colom raised more money over the last three months.
Candidates for Congress had to file new money reports with the Federal Election Commission last week. The reports cover July through September. The General Election is Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Here is a look at the money in each race. That includes the 3rd District race on the ballot in Meridian and Philadelphia.
U.S. Senate: Hyde-Smith has more cash, but Colom raised more lately
Hyde-Smith had about $2.43 million on hand at the end of September, Magnolia Tribune reported. Three committees back her campaign. Together, they raised about $935,000 over those three months.
Her main campaign raised more than $640,000 in that time, Mississippi Today reported. So far this election cycle, her main campaign has raised about $6.2 million.
Colom brought in about $1.32 million over the same three months. After spending, he had about $992,000 left. In all, he has raised about $3.93 million this cycle.
Colom is the district attorney for the 16th Circuit Court District. It covers Lowndes, Oktibbeha, Clay and Noxubee counties.
Independent Ty Pinkins is also on the Senate ballot. He has raised nearly $104,000 this cycle. He had about $4,900 on hand, FEC records show.
Both major campaigns spoke about the numbers. In a news release, Colom said he believes his campaign is on track to win because voters are paying attention.
Meanwhile, Hyde-Smith’s communications director, Nathan Calvert, said the campaign planned for Colom to have plenty of money. Calvert also said the campaign believes it will win a majority of votes on Nov. 3.
3rd District: The House race in Meridian and Philadelphia
Lauderdale and Neshoba counties are in Mississippi’s 3rd Congressional District. Republican Congressman Michael Guest holds that seat. Guest, of Rankin County, was first elected in 2018. He had about $1.05 million on hand at the end of September, FEC records show.
His report covers January 2025 through September 2026. In that time, Guest raised about $1.02 million. That is less than his cash on hand. Campaigns can keep money left over from past elections.
His Democratic challenger is Michael Chiaradio. He owns a small farm in Shubuta in Clarke County. Chiaradio has raised about $191,000 in contributions this cycle, FEC records show. He had about $32,000 on hand.
Libertarian Erik Kiehle is also running in the 3rd District. He did not have a report on file with the FEC as of Monday.
Other U.S. House races across Mississippi
Three of Mississippi’s four House members now have more than $1 million in the bank for their campaigns.
In the 2nd District, Democratic Congressman Bennie Thompson has the most cash of the four. He had about $1.36 million on hand. He raised about $156,000 over the three months. Thompson has held the seat since 1993.
Republican Ron Eller had about $38,000 on hand. Independent Bennie Foster’s newest report was not yet showing with the FEC as of Monday. His last report, from June, showed about $9,000 on hand.
In the 1st District, Republican Congressman Trent Kelly had about $1 million on hand. Democrat Cliff Johnson had about $186,000. Both men raised about the same amount over the three months, around $256,000 each. Libertarian Johnny Baucom did not have a report on file as of Monday.
In the 4th District, Republican Congressman Mike Ezell had about $166,000 on hand. He raised about $103,000 over the three months.
Democrat Jeffrey Hulum III, a state representative from Gulfport, had about $11,000 on hand. Independent Carl Boyanton had about $25,000. Boyanton raised about $2,300 over the three months, the Tribune reported.
Why campaign money matters
Campaigns use this money to pay for TV ads, mail, signs, staff and travel. The reports show how much each campaign has to spend in the final weeks. Money does not decide who wins. Voters do.
What you need to know before you vote
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you are in line when polls close, stay in line.
You must show a photo ID to vote in Mississippi. If you do not have one, you can get a free voter ID card at your county circuit clerk’s office. For help, call the Secretary of State’s voter ID line at 1-800-829-6786.
Some voters can vote early by absentee ballot if they have an approved reason. For example, people who must work during voting hours can qualify. You can vote absentee in person at your circuit clerk’s office until noon on Saturday, Oct. 31.
The winners will serve in the next Congress in Washington. A Senate term lasts six years. A House term lasts two years.