Mississippi, November 12, 2026: Democratic candidate Scott Colom has won the 2026 United States Senate election in Mississippi, defeating Republican incumbent Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith. According to Reuters, Colom, 43, becomes the first Black U.S. senator elected from Mississippi since Blanche Bruce during the Reconstruction era in 1874. According to preliminary results from The Associated Press (AP), Colom secured 49.19% of the vote, while Hyde-Smith received 48.7%, with 98.73% of ballots counted.
The race was called on Wednesday evening, November 11, 2026, more than a week after the November 3 election, following the counting of absentee and provisional ballots.
According to The Associated Press (AP), Colom, while addressing a crowd of hundreds gathered at Tougaloo College for his victory celebration, stated, “All I did was have the courage to imagine a night like this.” He added, “I had the courage to believe in Mississippi. I had the courage to understand that we can show the country that Mississippi matters.”
Whereas, Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith conceded the race in a video posted on X shortly after the race was called on November 11. She congratulated Colom in that video message, stating, “I want to congratulate Scott Colom and wish him well as he takes on the tremendous responsibility of representing our great state.” She also respected the decision of Mississippi voters, noting, “While this is not the outcome we worked for or hoped for, I respect the decision of Mississippi voters.”
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer also celebrated Mississippi's result on X, writing, “Colom is the only person who could’ve gotten this done. I knew it from the moment I met him.” He added, “Scott will make a fantastic Senator for the people of Mississippi, and I can’t wait to welcome him to the Senate.”
It should be noted, Colom had previously said during his senatory campaign that he would represent all Mississippians equally, regardless of the racial divisions that have long defined the state's politics and society, according to The Associated Press. He reiterated the same commitment following his victory.
“My commitment to you, each and every one of you, is that first I’m going to treat your children like I want my children to be treated,” Colom said. “I’m going to treat your parents the way I want my parents to be treated. I’m gonna treat your future the way I want my future to be” and “work to make every Mississippian’s life better.”
Colom's victory reportedly expands the Democratic majority in the 100-member U.S. Senate to 55 seats, with the Senate race in Alaska remaining undecided.
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