Mississippi Code
Mississippi's official compilation of state statutes, enacted as the Mississippi Code of 1972.
Last refreshed: 5 November 2026
Why is there no runoff in Mississippi's 2026 Senate race?
Timeline for Mississippi Code
Colom tops Hyde-Smith by under 100 votes
US Midterms 2026Background
The Mississippi Code decides how the state's close 2026 Senate race ends. Section 23-15-193(2) requires a majority only of "state officers", so a US Senate seat goes to the candidate with the most votes, with no runoff. On 4 November 2026 Scott Colom led Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith by roughly 65 to 100 votes of about 945,600 counted.
The Mississippi Code of 1972 is the state's compilation of its permanent statutes, arranged by title; Title 23 covers elections. The Legislature amended section 23-15-193 in 2023 (House Bill 1276) so that state officers who win no majority face a runoff between the top two. The Secretary of State's 2026 calendar keeps the 1 December runoff for judges and school board members only (sections 23-15-833, 23-15-981 and 37-5-9).
The Code also sets the count calendar. Mail ballots postmarked by polling day count if they reach circuit clerks by 10 November, counties send returns by 13 November (sections 23-15-601 and 23-15-603), and the Secretary of State declares results on 3 December (section 23-15-605). the Supreme Court upheld Mississippi's mail-ballot Grace period in Watson v. RNC in June 2026.
Is there a runoff in Mississippi's 2026 Senate race?
Who has a runoff in Mississippi on 1 December 2026?
When does Mississippi declare its 2026 election results?
What is the Mississippi Code of 1972?
Written with AI from Lowdown's published reporting. Not individually reviewed by an editor. Updated 5 November 2026. Editorial standards.