Two Senate Races Remain Uncalled as Parties Seek Recount Funds

Democrat Scott Colom held a lead of fewer than 2,000 votes over Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith in Mississippi, with more than 95 percent of ballots counted. In Alaska, Democrat Mary Peltola was ahead of Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan by just over 600 votes, while about three-quarters of ballots had been counted. The Senate’s overall control was already settled, but both races remained uncalled.

Hyde-Smith’s campaign appealed to donors to cover legal work related to the count. The National Republican Senatorial Committee established a recount fund on Election Day for Sullivan and added Hyde-Smith the next day. It also said it would ask Mississippi election officials to separate and preserve affidavit ballots.

Democrats are seeking funds, too. Colom’s campaign set up a legal fund, and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee solicited support. Former Vice President Kamala Harris urged donors to back Colom, saying Republicans would not let another loss pass without a fight.

The path ahead differs between the states. Alaska uses ranked-choice voting; if neither candidate reaches 50 percent in the first round, the next tabulation is expected in mid-November. Sullivan’s campaign said thousands of early and absentee ballots remained to be counted. Mississippi has no provision for an automatic or requested recount, meaning a court case would probably be needed to move forward with one.

A federal judge dismissed a pre-election Trump administration lawsuit over another Alaska candidate sharing Sullivan’s name. The Justice Department said it planned to bring the case again.

GOP Scrambles to Protect Two Vulnerable Senate Seats

Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith was behind Democrat Scott Colom by fewer than 2,000 votes in Mississippi, with more than 95 percent of ballots counted. In Alaska, Mary Peltola led Sen. Dan Sullivan by just over 600 votes, with about three-quarters of the ballots tallied. The Senate majority was decided, but Republicans are still spending to defend seats where the count has not finished.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee opened a recount fund for Sullivan on Election Day and added Hyde-Smith the following day. Hyde-Smith’s campaign has appealed to donors to pay for legal work, while the committee said it would press Mississippi officials to preserve affidavit ballots.

Democrats have also established a legal fund for Colom, and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee is asking supporters for money. Former Vice President Kamala Harris urged donors to help Colom, warning that Republicans would fight to hold the seat.

Alaska’s ranked-choice process could push the final tabulation into mid-November if neither candidate clears 50 percent in the first round. Mississippi has no provision for an automatic or requested recount, leaving court action as the likely route. The contrast is stark: Republicans are preparing legal and recount efforts to contest razor-thin results even as Democrats seek to ensure votes are counted and their candidates prevail.

Close Senate Counts Demand Every Lawful Ballot Be Counted

With the Senate’s control already settled, two races remain unfinished. Democrat Scott Colom led Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith by fewer than 2,000 votes in Mississippi, with more than 95 percent counted. In Alaska, Mary Peltola was ahead of Sen. Dan Sullivan by just over 600 votes, with around three-quarters of ballots tallied.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee has set up a fund for recount-related costs and said it would ask Mississippi officials to separate and preserve affidavit ballots. Hyde-Smith’s campaign is also soliciting donations for legal work. These steps reflect the need to protect an accurate count in races this close.

Democrats are fundraising as well: Colom’s campaign has a legal fund, and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee is seeking support. Former Vice President Kamala Harris appealed to donors, arguing Republicans would fight to keep the Mississippi seat. Both parties are preparing for a prolonged process, not just asking voters for support after Election Day.

Alaska’s ranked-choice system means tabulation could continue into mid-November if no one wins a first-round majority; Sullivan’s campaign said additional early and absentee ballots were still outstanding. Mississippi has no automatic or requested recount provision, making a court case a likely prerequisite. The priority should be an accurate count of lawful ballots, not pressure to treat an unfinished result as final.