Scott Colom Elected as Mississippi’s First Black Senator in 150 Years

Democrat Scott Colom won a United States Senate seat in Mississippi on Wednesday according to Associated Press projections, becoming the first Black senator elected in the Southern state in nearly 150 years.

The 43-year-old district attorney defeated incumbent Republican Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith after a protracted ballot count, delivering a surprise pickup for Democrats who secured majorities in both chambers of Congress during the midterms. AP estimated that approximately 99% of votes had been counted before calling the race.

How the Mississippi Senate Race Unfolded

Election officials spent several days processing mail-in ballots and provisional votes, which are known as affidavit ballots in Mississippi, before the race was officially called on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. The slow count pushed the timeline deep into the week following election day.

Colom built his campaign on addressing economic frustrations and mobilizing the state’s large Black electorate while capitalizing on missteps by Hyde-Smith during her bid for a second full term, RFI reported. No Democrat had represented Mississippi in the Senate since 1989, and the state had heavily supported Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election.

The last time Mississippi elected a Democratic senator was in 1982, when John C. Stennis won election, though sources note that earlier Democratic victories in the state date back to 1947 under segregationist candidates. Colom’s historic victory makes him the first Black U.S. senator from the former Confederate state since Blanche Bruce served from 1875 to 1881.

During the campaign, Colom said that he would represent all of Mississippi, an asset in a state where racial divisions have long marked politics and society.

“They actually deserve a senator who listens to them, who actually cares what they think, who actually cares what they go through,” said Scott Colom, U.S. Senator-elect, in the final stretch of the campaign.

“We need to have a party again that represents rural America, suburban America and urban America—a party that ensures that we actually keep our promises to voters in a way that improves their lives,” added Scott Colom.

Hyde-Smith conceded the race in an online video statement released before her office confirmed she had called Colom to concede.

“Even though this is not the outcome we worked for or hoped for, I respect the decision of Mississippi voters,” said Cindy Hyde-Smith, outgoing U.S. Senator, in her recorded address.

“I want to congratulate Scott Colom and wish him the best as he prepares to take on the enormous responsibility of representing our great state,” added 67-year-old Cindy Hyde-Smith, who became the first woman to represent Mississippi in Congress starting in 2018.

A spokesperson for the senator indicated that she had called Colom to congratulate him and acknowledge her defeat before the video was made public. Colom planned a victory celebration with his supporters in Jackson on Wednesday evening.

Democratic Senate Majority Expands After Upset Victory

The upset victory adds to a difficult election cycle for Republicans and expands the Democratic Senate majority to at least 55 seats out of 100, with Republicans securing 44 seats and counting still underway in Alaska, according to Le Monde. National party leaders pointed to the result as evidence that the American South is emerging as a competitive battleground.

“Scott Colom is the only person who could have pulled this off,” said Chuck Schumer, Democratic Senate leader, in an online statement.

“With his team and volunteers, Scott ran the campaign of a lifetime and redefined what is possible for Democrats in the South,” added Chuck Schumer.

Former President Bill Clinton, who campaigned alongside Colom in the final stretch before the election, also weighed in on the historic outcome.

And they, in turn, believed in you,” said Bill Clinton, former U.S. President, addressing the senator-elect on social media.

Bill Clinton, a native of neighboring Arkansas, also said that he was honored to have stood by Scott Colom’s side.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Election

Who is Scott Colom?

Scott Colom is a 43-year-old district attorney from Mississippi who defeated incumbent Republican Cindy Hyde-Smith to become the state’s first Black U.S. senator since the Reconstruction era.

When was the race officially called?

The Associated Press projected Colom as the winner on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, following a multi-day count of mail-in and affidavit ballots.

Who did Colom defeat?

Colom defeated incumbent Republican Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith.

Earlier coverage: Democrat Scott Colom Wins Mississippi Senate Seat for First Black Senator in 140 Years

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