Mississippi Secretary of State
Mississippi's elected office that runs state elections and declares official results.
Last refreshed: 5 November 2026
When will Mississippi declare its 2026 Senate result?
Timeline for Mississippi Secretary of State
Set certification for 13 November and declaration for 3 December
US Midterms 2026: Colom tops Hyde-Smith by under 100 votesBackground
The Mississippi Secretary of State runs the count calendar for the state's 2026 Senate race. Scott Colom led Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith by roughly 65 to 100 votes on 4 November 2026. Counties must send certified returns to the office by 13 November, and it declares the result on 3 December. A plurality wins the seat; the office's 1 December runoff covers only judges and school boards.
Voters elect the Secretary of State to a four-year term, with no term limit. Its Elections Division administers elections and monitors campaign finance and lobbying. Other divisions Charter businesses, regulate securities and manage state public lands. The main office is in the State Capitol in Jackson.
Mississippi counts mail ballots postmarked by polling day that arrive up to five business days later. the Supreme Court upheld that Grace period in Watson v. RNC in June 2026.
When will Mississippi certify its 2026 Senate result?
How is the Mississippi Secretary of State chosen?
Does Mississippi count late mail ballots?
Written with AI from Lowdown's published reporting. Not individually reviewed by an editor. Updated 5 November 2026. Editorial standards.