Scott Colom becomes first Democrat elected to U.S. Senate from Mississippi since 1982

BAY ST. LOUIS, Miss. (WVUE) - Democrat Scott Colom has been elected to the U.S. Senate from Mississippi, the first Democrat elected to the U.S. Senate from the state since 1982, after Republican incumbent Cindy Hyde-Smith conceded.

The Associated Press called the election more than a week after Election Day. Election workers across the state took their time to ensure every ballot was counted.

Colom beat Hyde-Smith by about 4,400 votes.

“I make a solid commitment to every Mississippian today. Mississippi matters. God bless y’all,” said Sen.-elect Scott Colom, D-Mississippi.

Hyde-Smith, R-Mississippi, also commented after conceding.

“I want to congratulate Scott Colom and wish him well as he takes on the tremendous responsibility of representing our great state,” Hyde-Smith said.

Colom is expected to speak later this evening.

The race drew visits from President Donald Trump, former Vice President Kamala Harris, and other political figures to rally supporters for the candidates.

Voters said it was a relief to see the election and ballot-counting process come to an end. Many in Bay St. Louis celebrated Colom’s win.

“Celebrate that we are about to send the first Black senator to D.C. since Reconstruction. That’s exciting,” said Laurianne Manchester, a Mississippi voter.

Robert Collins, Ph.D., a political analyst at Dillard University, said Colom won the state by focusing on affordability, which trended well among the state’s large Black voting bloc.

“Black voters can make a big difference in a state like Mississippi because it has the highest percentage in the United States of Black voters,” Collins said.

The secretary of state’s office will certify all votes on Friday.

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