{
  "id": 19589877,
  "title": "Scott Colom Wins Nail-Biter Mississippi Race, Becoming State’s First Democratic Senator-Elect Since 1982",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/12/scott-colom-wins-nail-biter-mississippi-race-becoming-states-first",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-12T01:49:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Time",
    "slug": "time",
    "url": "https://time.com/article/2026/11/12/mississippi-senate-race-scott-colom-cindy-hyde-smith-2026-midterm-elections/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In a nail-biting Mississippi Senate race, Democratic challenger Scott Colom has narrowly beaten incumbent Republican Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, making history as the state's first Black Senator since 1874 and the first Democratic Senator since 1982. Colom, a district attorney for Mississippi’s 16th Judicial District, secured 49.2% of the vote, just barely edging out Hyde-Smith’s 48.7% as 99% of ballots were counted. This victory is part of a broader trend for Democrats, as they have flipped eight Republican-held Senate seats this midterm season, bringing them within reach of a 55-seat majority.\n\nThe race remained extremely close, with a margin of victory as narrow as 0.1% at one point, due to the lengthy process of counting affidavit ballots. Both candidates campaigned on contrasting policy positions, with Colom focusing on lowering consumer prices and opposing gender-affirming surgeries for minors, while Hyde-Smith emphasized her pro-life stance and support for Trump’s \"Big Beautiful Bill.\" Colom attended a Trump rally in Mississippi to connect with voters, claiming he had converted some supporters during his visits.\n\nDespite the close result, Hyde-Smith conceded gracefully, expressing respect for the decision of Mississippi voters. She wished Colom well in his upcoming responsibilities. Colom thanked Hyde-Smith and pledged to represent the people of Mississippi better. While a legal challenge or appeal to the Senate were possible options, neither candidate appeared to pursue these avenues. Hyde-Smith emphasized she would continue to serve as their U.S. Senator.",
  "summary": "Colom defeated incumbent Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith to become the first Democrat elected to the Senate from Mississippi since 1982.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}