Mississippi Senate candidate criticizes election forecasters; GOP senator wants delayed leadership vote

Mississippi Senate candidate Scott Colom, a Democrat, criticized major election forecasters for underestimating his chances against Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, The Hill reported. Colom argued that the negative predictions made it more difficult for Democrats to raise funds and compete effectively in the southern state.

Colom, a Black attorney, has maintained a narrow lead over Hyde-Smith despite the pessimistic ratings, according to The Hill. He expressed frustration that the forecasts contributed to a challenging environment for his campaign.

Separately, Senate Republican Sen. Dave McCormick of Pennsylvania, described as a more moderate Republican from a battleground state, endorsed calls from conservative Senate GOP colleagues to delay the party's leadership elections originally scheduled for Tuesday, The Hill reported.

McCormick told GOP Leader Thune that leadership elections should be postponed until the party has fully analyzed and debated recent lessons, signaling internal discussions within the Senate GOP about timing and strategy for leadership decisions.