Scott Colom Wins Nail-Biter Mississippi Race, Becoming State's First Democratic Senator-Elect Since 1982

Democratic Mississippi Senate candidate Scott Colom triumphed in a close election, becoming the first Black and Democratic Senator-elect since 1982. Colom, a district attorney, secured victory over incumbent Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, marking a pivotal moment for the Democratic party. The race, one of the most competitive of the 2026 midterms, saw Colom win by a slim margin of less than 1%, with over 95% of votes counted.

This victory signals a significant shift in Mississippi's political landscape, as the state voted for President Trump by nearly 23 points in the 2024 presidential election. The race was characterized by heated rhetoric and accusations over differing ideologies, with Colom calling Hyde-Smith "the most radical liberal" and Hyde-Smith referring to Colom as "the most radical liberal" to run for office in Mississippi.

The contest over key policy issues, such as abortion and the war in Iran, added to the contentious atmosphere. Despite the close outcome, both candidates remained confident in their victory, with Colom expressing optimism and Hyde-Smith reassuring her constituents of her continued service. Colom's campaign focused on lowering consumer prices and opposing gender-affirming surgeries for minors, while Hyde-Smith, a pro-life senator, advocated for Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" and cuts to Medicaid.