10/04/2026
Excellent article. Scott Colom For Senate
📰 "Sitting with Scott Colom at Lucedale Coffee House" 📰
The Senate candidate answered hard questions about healthcare, tariffs and independence from his party. His willingness to listen left an impression, and commitments Mississippians can hold him to.
🇺🇸 The Mississippi Moderate - Firsthand reporting & commentary
LUCEDALE, Miss. - Scott Colom sat at the head of a long table at Lucedale Coffee House. From the first chair beside him, the conversation sometimes felt as though nobody else was in the room. Other people were there, however, with questions of their own. He gave them time, including when the questions were difficult.
That was what stayed with us afterward. Colom spoke with the confidence of a district attorney accustomed to making himself heard. He also listened while people explained the problems they wanted him to address.
The Democrat is challenging Republican incumbent Cindy Hyde-Smith for a U.S. Senate seat. We came to examine how he would approach healthcare, where he would depart from his party, and how voters could hold him accountable if he reached Washington. His answers offered a favorable impression and a set of commitments worth keeping on the record. [1]
Colom repeatedly returned to improving life for Mississippians, including through cooperation with Republicans. At this table, that meant discussing how people could keep health coverage, why he wanted tariffs stopped immediately, and what continued access to a senator should look like. The intimate setting allowed us to hear the reasoning behind his positions and ask questions face to face.
GETTING MISSISSIPPIANS COVERED
Healthcare came first. We wanted to know how Colom would help people who need basic coverage while Mississippi continues to resist Medicaid expansion. We understood his answer as a willingness to pursue workable options, including public assistance that makes private insurance affordable, and negotiate over how to finance them.
His publicly reported agenda is more specific: reverse federal Medicaid cuts, expand Medicaid, and restore the enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies that reduced the cost of marketplace insurance. These are distinct mechanisms. Medicaid expansion requires action by Mississippi under the current framework; a senator could advocate for it, but could not enact the state's expansion alone. Restoring the enhanced marketplace tax credits would require federal legislation. [2] [3]
Those enhanced credits expired at the end of 2025. The underlying ACA premium tax credit remains available to eligible people, but the loss of the enhancements reduced assistance and increased monthly premiums for many enrollees. Describing every insurance subsidy as having disappeared would misstate the problem families now face. [4]
At a November 24, 2025, event in Jackson, Colom said his first Senate bill would seek to undo the Trump administration's Medicaid cuts. He also advocated higher taxes on people earning more than $600,000 a year to help preserve coverage and hospital finances. He also mentioned proposing a bill that would remove the federal tax burden on all Americans who earn less than $75,000 per year. That places a financing choice before voters, beyond a general promise to make healthcare affordable. [5]
The funding pressures have a documented scale and timetable. KFF's July 2026 analysis describes the Congressional Budget Office's estimate that the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act reduces federal Medicaid spending by $911 billion over 2025–2034 relative to projections before the law. Separately, Mississippi Medicaid Director Cindy Bradshaw estimated that changes to state-directed hospital payments would cost the state about $160 million annually beginning in 2029. Those are projected reductions, not a claim that the full amounts have already been withdrawn. [6] [7]
The law also created a $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program nationwide. Its grants provide another source of support, with purposes and rules separate from Medicaid reimbursements. Colom's approach centers on keeping patients insured so hospitals can be paid for their care. Coverage and funding can help, although no single proposal guarantees a hospital's survival. [8]
We found his willingness to pursue coverage encouraging. Caring for a neighbor means something practical when that neighbor needs a doctor. The work ahead would require legislation, financing and cooperation with state leaders; Colom's stated priorities give voters a way to assess whether he pursues it.
TARRIFFS HAVE TO STOP NOW!
Colom was unequivocal: the tariffs have to stop now. He described them as a tax on the American people, explaining that businesses and corporations pass those costs along to consumers. His point was that ordinary families pay more when the cost reaches them in the price of what they buy.
Research published on the Federal Reserve's website on March 5, 2026, supports the concern about costs reaching consumers. The researchers found that tariffs introduced in 2025 raised retail prices for the goods they studied; their product coverage did not represent the entire household shopping basket. [9]
We share his opposition. In our view, these tariffs favor wealthy interests at the expense of ordinary Americans who are already struggling to afford daily life. Mississippians need relief from that burden. Colom made clear that he wants the tariffs stopped now.
COOPERATION WITH NAMES ATTACHED
When Colom discussed working across party lines, he named Republican senators Josh Hawley of Missouri and Rand Paul of Kentucky as people he believed might be willing to work with him. Neither is presented here as having agreed to do so. These were potential partners he identified, not endorsements or an announced alliance.
Hawley's name interested us because we respect parts of his consumer-protection work. On November 19, 2024, he questioned Visa and Mastercard executives about market power and competition. On December 4, he pressed airline executives, including representatives of Spirit and Frontier, about baggage charges and payments that rewarded gate agents for enforcing carry-on policies. The airlines denied that their incentive policies were being abused. Scrutiny deserves recognition; an accusation at a hearing is not itself a finding of wrongdoing. [10] [11] [12]
Hawley and Senator Bernie Sanders subsequently introduced a proposal on February 4, 2025, to cap credit card interest rates at 10 percent for five years. That collaboration illustrates how senators with substantial ideological differences can work on a shared concern. We want Mississippi's representative to seek those opportunities. A constituent's need for help does not depend on the party that received that person's vote. [13]
INDEPENDENCE AND THE RECORD BEHIND IT.
When asked where he differed from his own party, Colom discussed his support for the Second Amendment and opposition to assault weapon bans. He said handguns figured prominently in the criminal cases he encountered as district attorney. He emphasized fi***rm safety and practical policing, arguing that bans would not keep determined criminals from obtaining weapons.
That explanation establishes his position and the experience informing it. It does not settle the effectiveness of every gun law, and opposition to an assault weapon ban should not be read as opposition to every fi***rms regulation. He also favored giving younger offenders an opportunity for a second chance, a principle whose application would depend on the offense and the safeguards attached to it.
Colom spoke candidly about his office's work involving a sheriff. Specifically by naming a Sherriff who pleaded guilty on May 7, 2024, to making a materially false statement to the FBI in July 2020. He lied about soliciting and receiving n**e photos and videos from a female jail inmate in exchange for contraband (cell phones, to***co) and special treatment (trusty status and a cooking job). This was a Democrat Sherriff, which proves he isn't scared to fight corruption on both sides of the aisle. Mississippi Today documented his account of investigating allegations involving the Noxubee County Sheriff's Office and referring the investigation to federal authorities. The Justice Department confirmed that former Sheriff Terry Grassaree pleaded guilty on May 7, 2024, to making false statements to the FBI. Federal prosecutors handled that case. [14] [15]
The history also includes delays. Mississippi Today's reporting described reporters asking about the case in 2022 and Colom following up with federal authorities. In 2024, he said he had relied on their agreement to prosecute and that the time limit for state charges had expired. A fair assessment should include both the investigation and the delays, while preserving the distinction between his office's work and the federal prosecution. [14]
We respect a willingness to investigate misconduct within law enforcement. We would expect the same scrutiny when a political ally or donor becomes the subject of an investigation. Independence must be judged through decisions, particularly when those decisions carry a cost.
ENFORCEMENT AND A LAWFUL PATH FORWARD
On immigration, Colom credited the current administration's stronger border enforcement and regarded it as a positive development. He also favored a clear, lawful path to citizenship, with follow-through on the process. His assessment of enforcement should not be confused with evidence that unlawful crossings have ceased.
We heard support for enforceable rules alongside a functioning legal route. The eligibility requirements and legislation he would support deserve further examination. Our own Christian convictions also require humane treatment of the people affected. Enforcement and compassion both have to appear in the policy, not merely in the speech explaining it.
INVESTMENT AND THE PUBLIC BILL.
Our discussion of artificial intelligence raised a concern about weighing promised benefits against obligations to communities. Colom was adamant that we must halt the building of AI datacenters until more research is done on their effect on the enviroment. Separately from the meeting, Mississippi Today reported on September 24, 2026, that Colom proposed a temporary halt to new data centers in Mississippi while the state studies their effects and develops safeguards. His conditions included transparency and having projects pay their own way. This was a proposal about data center development, rather than a blanket demand to stop AI. [16]
That report also included Hyde-Smith's campaign position: families and local resources should be protected, and projects should meet those standards before construction. Our judgment is that Mississippi should insist on a clear account of public incentives, infrastructure costs and benefits to residents. A large investment announcement cannot, by itself, answer who pays the bill. [16]
KEEPING THE CHAIR AVAILABLE
Our accountability question brought the conversation back to the people around the table. Colom discussed open town halls, a monthly newsletter and transparent financial statements. Those commitments matter because voters can check whether they are kept.
The details would make them more useful, But Scott mentioned posting a town hall schedule that reaches communities across Mississippi, opportunities for unscripted questions, and a clear explanation of what the financial disclosures include. A newsletter should explain consequential votes and unfinished work. In our research and to his credit, he does seem to be working toward ensuring this transparency happens and that Mississippians can always have an opportunity to be heard.
Colom's manner at this meeting gave us reason to take those promises seriously. He was friendly and approachable, patient with difficult questions, and interested in discussing the problems people brought to him. We left impressed by the attention he gave a small gathering. One meeting cannot establish how he would perform in office, but it offered an opportunity to examine him beyond a campaign advertisement.
Our Christian faith informs the standards we bring to that examination: truthfulness, care for neighbors and the discipline of listening before dismissing another person's concern. We believe Colom merits serious consideration. A favorable impression also leaves us responsible for checking whether the policies and commitments hold up.
The first chair beside him allowed us to ask hard questions and hear his answers. If Mississippi sends him to Washington, constituents should still be able to pull up a chair. During the meeting, Scott made clear his commitment to all Mississippians that he will remain open and available to hear us all.
CLOSING REMARKS
A question was asked by a concerned citizen about social media and children. The topic was brought up, and Scott was asked his opinion on children having access to social media. We were pleased to hear him agree that children under 16 have no real business or need to use social media and instead need to focus on being kids. As a man with two daughters, he immediately acknowledged the issue and assured us he would do what was in his power to make that change. That's commendable, and a response we didn't quite expect to hear.
In all, Scott Colom was a very well spoken, kind and approachable individual. He had a good presence when speaking and an natural ability to look you in the eye when speaking. He shook the hand and thanked every single person for taking the time and attending the meeting. Afterwards he stayed, and made himself available to speak to everyone at the meeting personally one on one. That stood out to us. He honestly wanted to hear the issues that Mississippians were facing, and offered real solutions. That is something we respect, and are glad he took the time to do so.
FACTS & OPINIONS
Facts: The account of the Lucedale Coffee House meeting comes from The Mississippi Moderate's firsthand notes and subsequent clarifications. Statements from that discussion are paraphrases, not a verbatim transcript. Public sources separately document the healthcare agenda, tariff research, Hawley examples, sheriff case and data center proposal. Funding figures are projections with specified baselines and dates. Neither Hawley nor Paul is reported as having committed to work with Colom.
Opinion: Our favorable assessment of Colom's listening and approachability, our opposition to tariffs, our assessment that they favor wealthy interests, and our respect for particular examples of Hawley's consumer advocacy are editorial judgments. Our Christian framework expresses this publication's values. It does not certify a candidate's character or establish the effectiveness of his proposals.
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🇺🇸 The Mississippi Moderate 🇺🇸
[Sources]
[1] Scott Colom for Senate, campaign biography and priorities: https://scottcolom.com/
[2] Guides.vote, 2026 Mississippi U.S. Senate Voters Guide, healthcare positions and linked sources: https://guides.vote/guide/2026-mississippi-us-senate-voters-guide/
[3] HealthCare.gov, Medicaid expansion and the state coverage gap: https://www.healthcare.gov/medicaid-chip/medicaid-expansion-and-you/
[4] KFF, marketplace premium tax credit FAQ, updated January 14, 2026: https://www.kff.org/faqs/faqs-health-insurance-marketplace-and-the-aca/help-paying-marketplace-premiums-the-basics/what-kind-of-recent-changes-to-the-marketplace-premium-subsidies-have-happened-that-i-should-know-about/
[5] Magnolia Tribune, reporting on Colom's November 24 Jackson event, November 25, 2025: https://magnoliatribune.com/2025/11/25/colom-champions-tax-increase-for-mississippians-to-continue-to-have-health-insurance/
[6] KFF, Medicaid spending and enrollment projections after the 2025 law, July 1, 2026: https://www.kff.org/medicaid/how-has-projected-medicaid-spending-and-enrollment-changed-since-passage-of-the-2025-reconciliation-law/
[7] Mississippi Today, projected state-directed payment losses, February 4, 2026: https://mississippitoday.org/2026/02/04/lawmakers-transparency-rural-health/
[8] Commonwealth Fund, H.R. 1 Funding Cuts Will Overshadow Gains from Rural Health Program, June 2026: https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/issue-briefs/2026/jun/hr-1-funding-cuts-rural-health-transformation
[9] Federal Reserve, The Slow Climb How Tariffs Gradually Raised Retail Prices in 2025, March 5, 2026: https://www.federalreserve.gov/econres/notes/feds-notes/the-slow-climb-how-tariffs-gradually-raised-retail-prices-in-2025-20260305.html
[10] Office of Senator Josh Hawley, Visa and Mastercard hearing remarks, November 19, 2024: https://www.hawley.senate.gov/classic-collusive-monopoly-behavior-hawley-calls-out-credit-card-companies-for-killing-competition-demands-congress-cap-interest-rates/
[11] Office of Senator Josh Hawley, airline fee hearing remarks, December 4, 2024: https://www.hawley.senate.gov/terrible-experience-hawley-exposes-airline-execs-for-unfair-fees-passenger-harassment/
[12] U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, 2023–2024 activities report, airline fee investigation and carrier responses:https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CRPT-119srpt8/pdf/CRPT-119srpt8.pdf
[13] Office of Senator Josh Hawley, Sanders–Hawley interest-rate cap proposal, February 4, 2025: https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-sanders-introduce-bill-to-curb-exploitative-credit-card-interest-rates-provide-relief-to-working-americans/
[14] Mississippi Today, reporting on Colom's investigation and federal referral, May 9, 2024: https://mississippitoday.org/2024/05/09/this-doesnt-need-to-be-a-slap-on-the-wrist-da-says-of-noxubee-county-case/
[15] U.S. Department of Justice, Grassaree guilty plea, May 7, 2024: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdms/pr/former-mississippi-sheriff-pleads-guilty-making-false-statements-connection-federal
[16] Mississippi Today, data center proposal, September 24, 2026: https://mississippitoday.org/2026/09/24/data-centers-ban-colom-hyde-smith/
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🇺🇸 The Mississippi Moderate 🇺🇸
