The Race That Could Flip Mississippi

The Race That Could Flip Mississippi

Author: The One Country Project May 13, 2026 Duration: 35:51

Grab your sweet tea and pull up a chair! Heidi and Joel sit down with Scott Colom, candidate for U.S. Senate from Mississippi, to talk about what it actually takes to turn one of the reddest states in the nation. If you care about expanding the map, building real coalitions, and what Democrats can win when they show up, this episode's for you.


In this episode:

  • How engaging directly with voters increased turnout by 90% in Mississippi's primaries
  • Scott Colom’s stance on tariffs, healthcare, and rural economic revival
  • The importance of authenticity and listening in modern politics
  • How Colom plans to combat voter suppression and fight for fair elections
  • The story about a soldier missing his daughter's softball game—and why it hits home
  • Insights into Mississippi's unique primary system and demographic challenges
  • The power of community voices—like barbers and farmers—in shaping policy


Most people have already written Mississippi off before the ballots are even printed. But Scott Colom isn't most people. In this conversation, the senate candidate makes the case that the most unexpected races can become the most important ones — and that the path to a Democratic Senate majority might just run through the heart of the Deep South.

Whether you're a political junkie, a grassroots organizer, or just someone who believes no voter should be left behind, this episode will challenge the way you think about the electoral map. Don't count Mississippi out. Hit play and hear why.

Connect with Scott Colom

And remember: the dish is hottest when the race is closest. Don't miss the next Hot Dish — more flavor, less fuss!

The Hot Dish is brought to you by the One Country Project. To learn more, visit OneCountryProject.org, or find us on Substack (Onecountryproject.substack.com), and on YouTube, Bluesky, and Facebook (@onecountryproject).


  • (00:00) - Introduction to The Hot Dish and Mississippi Politics
  • (03:02) - Scott Colom's Campaign and Vision for Change
  • (06:05) - Challenges Facing Mississippi Farmers
  • (09:07) - Building Trust with Voters
  • (11:50) - Understanding Mississippi's Primary System
  • (14:55) - Impact of Tariffs and Economic Policies
  • (18:08) - Personal Stories and the Cost of War
  • (21:02) - Centering Voters in Political Conversations
  • (24:02) - Scott Colom's Unique Position in the Race
  • (26:45) - Conclusion and Future Aspirations
  • (29:13) - Enthusiasm in Politics
  • (32:09) - Analyzing Senate Races
  • (35:14) - Grassroots Support and Community Engagement

Heidi Heitkamp, a former U.S. Senator, and her brother Joel, a longtime Midwest radio host, bring a unique perspective to the table in their podcast The Hot Dish. Their dynamic is the engine here-a blend of deep policy knowledge from the halls of Congress and grounded, everyday insight from community radio, all filtered through the familiar and often humorous lens of sibling debate. They sit down with a range of guests, from national newsmakers and elected officials to local policymakers, focusing squarely on the ideas and actions that impact rural communities across America. These aren't dry lectures; they're animated discussions that dig into practical solutions for real challenges, from economic opportunities to infrastructure. Produced by The One Country Project, the conversation on this podcast is as informative as it is engaging, often punctuated by the kind of lively back-and-forth that only a brother and sister can provide. You'll come for the insightful analysis on politics and news, but you'll stay for the authentic and enlightening dialogue that makes complex issues relatable. Each episode serves up a hearty mix of substance and personality, offering listeners a fresh take on the stories that shape the heart of the country.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Hot Dish
Podcast Episodes
Conversations Across America: What Unites Us this Holiday [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:42
Heidi and Joel wrap up the year with a conversation with Sister Simone Campbell, a Catholic Nun and 2022 recipient of the medal of freedom award, who shares her experience traveling across the rural South and the importa…
From Daycare To College: New Approaches to Affordability and Access [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:00
This week on the Hot Dish, we dive into two critical challenges impacting our economy: providing college-age students with skills-based education and making high quality child care accessible to families. Heidi interview…
Feeding America from Food Banks to the Family Table [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:17
Heidi and Joel share laughs about Thanksgivings past, and offer some pro tips on hosting family during the holiday season (leave politics off the table, and just let Grandma cheat at cards). Heidi then talks to Eddie Oli…
Key Takeaways from the 2023 Elections [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:12
Heidi and Joel analyze key election results and discuss how abortion politics led to Democratic victories across VA, KY, and OH. From a major ballot measure passing that will enshrine abortion rights into the Ohio state…
Surviving Suicide [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:24
Content warning: this episode includes frank discussions about mental health and suicide. If you or someone you know is undergoing a suicidal, mental health and/or substance use crisis, please call 988. Counselors at the…
Has the Time Finally Come for Paid Family Leave? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:07
The United States is one of only a few nations in the world that doesn't have guaranteed paid family leave. But recent polling shows growing support for federal legislation. Heidi and Joel speak with guests to learn more…
Developing Healthy Futures: America’s Rural Children [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:47
Raising children is more than just a family matter. Especially in rural America, the resources parents and children have or lack access to play a significant part in setting children up for future success. Heidi and Joel…
The Green Energy Journey in Rural America [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:30
The question of green energy has been circulating more and more in recent years. Often favored as a way to combat climate change, the transition to green energy is complicated. Heidi and Joel speak to industry experts Wa…