Democrat Scott Colom wins historic Senate race in Mississippi

Democrat Scott Colom defeated incumbent Republican Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith in Mississippi's Senate race following a final count on Wednesday, France 24, UPI, and Al Jazeera reported. The Associated Press, CNN, and NBC News projected Colom as the winner. According to UPI, Hyde-Smith conceded the election and spoke to Colom after sources projected his victory. [1][2][3][7][10]

The election victory makes Colom the first Black US senator from Mississippi since the Reconstruction era, France 24, UPI, Al Jazeera, and The Guardian reported. Al Jazeera and The Guardian noted that this is the state's first Black senator in more than 140 years, or since 1875. UPI and the Daily Mail added that Colom is the first Democrat to win a Senate seat in the state in more than 40 years. [1][2][3][6][9]

The victory flips an eighth US Senate seat for Democrats following the midterm elections, according to Al Jazeera. France 24 reported that the outcome adds to a decisive midterm defeat for President Donald Trump's party in several Republican-controlled states. The Daily Mail noted that Hyde-Smith nearly declared victory on election night before the final outcome was determined. [1][3][6]

Colom is a prosecutor who has served as district attorney for the 16th Judicial District of Mississippi since 2016. As FTMQ News reported earlier, Colom previously held a narrow lead over Hyde-Smith as votes were counted following the 2026 midterm elections. The Democratic Party reserved $1.2 million for advertising in the state during the campaign. [3][12][16][17]