JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Democratic nominee Scott Colom has made history by defeating Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith in Mississippi’s closely contested U.S. Senate race, marking the state’s first Black U.S. senator since the Reconstruction era following the Civil War. Colom's victory is not just a milestone for the state, but also a reflection of shifting political sentiments in the South, presenting Democrats with renewed optimism in a region long dominated by white conservatives.
The Associated Press declared Colom the winner after a protracted ballot counting process, which included absentee and provisional ballots known as affidavit ballots in Mississippi. Colom's narrow win is seen as a significant rebuke to former President Donald Trump's influence and adds to a pattern of Democratic victories in Republican strongholds during the midterm elections.
Following the announcement of the election results, a gracious Hyde-Smith acknowledged the decision of the voters, stating in a two-minute concession speech, “While this is not the outcome we worked for or hoped for, I respect the decision of Mississippi voters. I want to congratulate Scott Colom and wish him well as he takes on the tremendous responsibility of representing our great state.” A spokesperson for Hyde-Smith confirmed that she had personally called Colom to congratulate him before sharing her concession publicly.
The last Democratic senator from Mississippi prior to Colom's election was a staunch segregationist who won in 1947. Colom, a 43-year-old local prosecutor, capitalized on the state’s significant Black population and voter dissatisfaction regarding economic conditions and Hyde-Smith's campaign missteps. He emphasized the importance of a representative who listens to the constituents, saying, “They actually deserve a senator that will listen to them, that actually cares about what they think, actually cares about what they’re going through.”
As party leaders celebrated Colom's triumph, his victory was seen as part of a broader transformation of the South into a Democratic battleground. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer praised Colom, asserting that he successfully demonstrated what is achievable for Democrats in the region. Former President Bill Clinton also expressed his pride in Colom’s campaign, stating, “You won because you believe in the promise of your state’s people. And they believed in you right back.”
The contest, initially viewed as a long shot by national Democrats, gained traction as more party resources were invested in Colom’s candidacy. His campaign gained momentum after he effectively critiqued Hyde-Smith's responses to key state issues, like rising beef prices. In a memorable advertisement, Colom depicted constituents incredulously suggesting they’d rather choose a different senator than one who shrugged off their concerns.
Colom's approach included directly engaging conservative voters, even attending a Trump rally where he spoke to supporters about their concerns. He strategically critiqued Hyde-Smith’s performance in office, framing her as ineffective which resonated with voters accustomed to influential representation in Washington.
Interestingly, Hyde-Smith had previously blocked Colom's judicial nomination during the Biden administration, a move that backfired during the election. Despite potential personal motivations, Colom maintained that his campaign was focused on the future of Mississippi rather than seeking retribution.
Colom concluded his campaign by connecting to Mississippi’s civil rights history, reflecting on the legacy of Medgar Evers, a prominent civil rights leader murdered in 1963. In his closing ads, he underscored the importance of voting as a means to honor those who fought for civil rights, stating, “In Mississippi, no one is above the law, and no one should be outside its protection.”
While Mississippi has historically leaned Republican, significant shifts in voter demographics and sentiment were evident. Colom's strong support from Black voters, increased discontent among Republicans, and greater white Democrat turnout contributed to the race's competitiveness. The election results showed that the state moved leftward compared to prior elections, suggesting a potential change in future political landscapes.
Colom's achievement was not just an individual victory; it symbolized hope for future generations of Mississippians, especially young Black candidates aspiring to public office. He shared his vision of paving the way for new leadership, asserting, “My job is to do well enough as the next United States senator that the next time some young black boy or girl... want to be United States senator, that nobody says because of anything I’ve done that they shouldn’t get a chance.”
