Democrat Scott Colom has won the Mississippi Senate race, defeating Republican incumbent Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith and securing a historic victory.
The Associated Press and network calls confirmed the outcome, making Colom the first Black senator elected in Mississippi since Reconstruction in the 1870s, CNN reported. He is also the first Democratic senator elected in the state in 44 years.
The Razor-Thin Tally
The margin remained extremely tight for days as final counties completed their counts. Tally numbers showed Colom ahead by 4,669 votes after officials processed the remaining ballots.
Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith spoke to Colom and conceded the race, according to Erin Burnett Outfront on CNN. The outcome shifts the balance of power in the new Senate, where Democrats hold at least 55 seats to 44 for Republicans.
Campaigning Across Every County
Hyde-Smith had done little to no campaigning and refused to participate in a debate, The New Yorker reported. Colom’s staff created “THE WHERE’S CINDY TOUR” placards and referred to her online as “Cindy Hide-Smith.”
Colom appeared in dozens of town halls across Mississippi’s 82 counties. Nadia, his wife, recalled him coming home tattered with exhaustion.
“Because Mississippians have been betrayed. They were promised America first, and they’re getting Mississippi last, said Scott Colom, Mississippi Senator-elect.”
Colom spoke about the math in Mississippi, which features heavily polarized voting where roughly 37 percent of the population is Black and nearly all vote Democrat, while three-quarters of white voters choose Republicans. He focused on persuading voters facing cuts to health care, high costs, and tariffs affecting farmers.
“You don't try to get their vote, you're basically telling them, I don't care that this stuff is happening to you,” Colom said.
National Backup and Viral Moments
National Democrats sent financial support late in October, totaling a modest two million dollars, alongside campaign appearances from Kamala Harris in Clarksdale and Columbus, and Bill Clinton in Tupelo.
The campaign also gained traction through a viral ad produced for less than a thousand dollars. The spot targeted remarks Hyde-Smith made earlier in the year when she suggested voters “pick another protein” in response to high beef prices.
