Independent Senate Candidate Explains Strategic Race Decision
Independent Mississippi Senate candidate Ty Pinkins explained his strategic decision to stay in the race, asserting that his candidacy split the Republican vote rather than the Black vote. His stated goal was to help elect Mississippi's first Black U.S. Senator…

Lafayette, IN, November 11, 2026 —
Independent Mississippi Senate candidate Ty Pinkins has detailed the strategic considerations behind his decision to remain in the race. Pinkins stated that he believes his candidacy divided the Republican vote, rather than impacting the Black vote.
Pinkins articulated his objective was to contribute to the election of Mississippi’s first Black U.S. Senator since the Reconstruction era. This outcome was realized when Democrat Scott Colom secured the senatorial seat.
Further elaborating on his campaign strategy, Pinkins mentioned that he intentionally refrained from campaigning in areas with predominantly Black populations. He indicated a belief that his support base was primarily drawn from Republican voters who were dissatisfied with the party’s platform or candidates.
Story summarized from the original created by Wayne Hereford, Gray News staff on www.wlfi.com, see more information here.
Media gallery