Democratic leaders celebrated Scott Colom’s victory in Mississippi’s Senate race after he defeated Republican incumbent Cindy Hyde-Smith, highlighting both the historic significance of his election and its implications for their party in the South. Colom becomes Mississippi’s first elected Black senator since 1881 and its first Democratic senator since 1982.
Decision Desk HQ, The Hill’s election analysis partner, projected Colom as the winner shortly after Hyde-Smith conceded on Wednesday, Nov. 11. With 95 percent of the vote counted, its tally showed Colom receiving 49.18 percent, compared with about 48.72 percent for Hyde-Smith. The Democrat had faced a veteran lawmaker who was appointed to the Senate in 2018 and had President Trump’s endorsement.
Former President Bill Clinton congratulated Colom on social media, praising the effort he had devoted to the campaign and his belief in Mississippi residents. Clinton said voters had returned that faith and expressed pride in having supported him. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York also welcomed the result, saying he had believed from their first meeting that Colom was uniquely capable of winning the race.
Rep. Bennie Thompson, a Mississippi Democrat, pointed to his longstanding relationship with Colom, which dates to Colom’s participation in the Mississippi Black Leadership Institute. Thompson said having another Democrat from the state in Congress who understood the needs of its residents would mean a great deal to him.
Thompson also recalled former President Biden’s nomination of Colom to a federal judgeship in 2022. Hyde-Smith blocked that nomination in 2023, a development Thompson described as disappointing while reaffirming his support for Colom and his commitment to Mississippi. Colom told The New York Times that he probably would not have sought the Senate seat if he had been confirmed to the federal bench.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear portrayed the victory as a turning point for Democrats in the region. He said Southern Democrats had often been overlooked, excluded or regarded dismissively, but argued that Colom’s success showed they were gaining ground.
During the campaign, Colom drew on local dissatisfaction over rising prices, data centers and Mississippi’s gerrymandering efforts. One advertisement responded to Hyde-Smith’s suggestion that shoppers select a less expensive protein by urging voters to “pick another senator.”
Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey, who was among Colom’s early supporters, also celebrated the outcome. Booker described the victory as evidence of hope in the South and an affirmation of Mississippi’s importance.
