Native Land Pod The Fight for the NEW South | MiniPod
Oct 23, 2026
Dr. Chris Jones, an Arkansas physicist, engineer, and congressional candidate, and Scott Colom, a Mississippi attorney and Senate candidate, discuss the South’s emerging Democratic movement. Topics include grassroots organizing, small-dollar campaigns, working-class voters, healthcare, education, voting rights, police accountability, inequality, and turning technical expertise into policy. A conversation about building trust and investing in a new South.
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Why Mississippi Suddenly Matters To Republicans
- Donald Trump’s need to campaign for a Mississippi Republican senator signals vulnerability despite winning the state decisively.
- Scott Colom frames gas prices, healthcare, and education as evidence that Mississippi has been politically neglected.
The Nomination Block That Shaped Colom’s Campaign
- Cindy Hyde-Smith blocked Scott Colom’s federal judgeship and two Black marshal nominees during Biden’s administration.
- Colom argues her obstruction disregarded Mississippi’s 38.5% Black population and the state’s need for representation.
Why Showing Up Beats Political Celebrity
- Voters respond more strongly to demonstrated service than celebrity, speeches, or television appeal.
- Scott Colom’s town halls and nonprofit work helped residents feel that someone was listening and that they mattered.