Mississippi elects Democrat Colom as state's first post-Civil War Black senator
Democratic nominee Scott Colom defeated Republican Cindy Hyde-Smith on Wednesday in Mississippi's closely contested US Senate race after a prolonged ballot counting process, giving the state its first Black US senator since post-Civil War Reconstruction. Colom's narrow victory is a seismic shift in Mississippi, which has been controlled mostly by white conservatives for generations despite having…
In a groundbreaking moment for Mississippi politics, Democrat Scott Colom triumphed in a highly anticipated US Senate race, shattering 140-year-old barriers. The 43-year-old district attorney secured victory over Republican incumbent Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, marking the first time an African American has been elected to the Senate from the southern state in over a century. Colom's win adds to the list of Democratic seats they flipped in various states, with the final outcome of Alaska's race still pending.
This historic upset sends a powerful message to President Donald Trump, who faced a crushing defeat as Democrats reclaimed control of both chambers of Congress. The results were a bitter pill for Trump, who is now a lame duck president in his remaining two years of office. The Democratic win is a testament to the increasing anger among voters over Trump's policies, including immigration, the war in Iran, and the rising cost of living.
The Democrats now hold 55 seats in the Senate, with 44 for Republicans and one seat still undecided. With this historic victory, Democrats will have the power to block legislation, investigate his administration, and thwart his appointments. Mississippi, a traditionally conservative state, is now a blue state, electing its first Black senator in over 140 years.
The race was extremely close, with Colom winning by a margin of 4,585 votes out of over 99% of the votes counted. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer hailed Colom as the only person who could've made this win possible, praising his character and qualifications.
Written by urgent.news from Malay Mail's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
- Scott Colom's twin brother, Andrew, helped Mississippi Senator-elect's campaign; wife, Nadia, expresses pride after midterms win hindustantimes.com
- Mississippi goes blue: Scott Colom flips red state, becoming its first Black senator in over 140 years malaymail.com
- Democrat Colom flips Mississippi Senate seat abcnews.com
- Promises and pride: Scott Colom rejoices with young and old on historic night in Mississippi theguardian.com
- Mississippi Democrat Scott Colom flips US Senate seat in stunning upset france24.com
- Mississippi Democrat flips Senate seat in stunning upset japantoday.com
- Democrat Scott Colom wins Mississippi Senate seat in historic upset euronews.com