Scott Colom defeats Cindy Hyde‑Smith in historic Mississippi Senate race
Democrat Scott Colom won the Mississippi U.S. Senate seat, becoming the first Democrat elected to the state's Senate delegation since 1982, after defeating incumbent Republican Cindy Hyde‑Smith.
Key points
- Colom won Mississippi’s Senate seat, the first Democratic victory there since 1982.
- Hyde‑Smith conceded after a call to congratulate Colom.
- The win contributes to Democrats gaining nine Senate seats in the midterms.
- Colom’s victory follows a prior conflict where Hyde‑Smith blocked his federal judgeship.
- The result is seen as a major blow to President Trump in the midterms.
Democrat Scott Colom has won election to the U.S. Senate representing Mississippi, defeating Republican incumbent Cindy Hyde-Smith in a stunning upset. Hyde-Smith conceded the race to Colom on Wednesday following a call to congratulate him.
Colom’s victory marks a historic shift in the state’s political landscape, as he becomes the first Democrat elected to Mississippi’s Senate delegation since 1982. The result contributes to a broader Democratic success in the midterm elections, where the party flipped nine Senate seats and the House. With this win, Democrats are expected to reach 55 Senate seats, a tally that includes the anticipated victory of Mary Peltola.
The race concluded with a significant reversal of expectations. On election night, Hyde-Smith nearly declared victory to a crowd of supporters at a watch party, but Colom ultimately proved her wrong. The outcome is described as a major blow to President Trump amid the midterm results.
The contest also carried personal significance for Colom, who had previously faced opposition from Hyde-Smith. Three years ago, the Republican senator used her Senate power to block Colom from becoming a federal judge, a move linked to his stance on trans rights. Colom’s defeat of the incumbent who blocked his judgeship underscores the intensity of the campaign.
Colom’s win breaks the Republican grip on the state’s Senate seats and represents a significant milestone for the Democratic Party in the South. The election result has been characterized as a historic flip that alters the balance of power in the U.S. Senate.
Your questions, answered
Who won the Mississippi Senate race?
Scott Colom, a Democrat, defeated incumbent Republican Cindy Hyde‑Smith.
Why is Colom’s win significant?
He is the first Democrat elected to Mississippi’s Senate delegation since 1982.
How does this story make you feel?
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