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Democrat Scott Colom has won the U.S. Senate race in Mississippi, defeating incumbent Republican Cindy Hyde-Smith. This victory marks a significant shift in Mississippi, as Colom becomes the state's first Black U.S. senator since the post-Civil War Reconstruction era. The Associated Press called the race in Colom's favor after a prolonged ballot counting process.
Colom's win is seen as a rebuke of President Donald Trump, whose party faced defeats in several Republican-controlled states. Colom, a 43-year-old local prosecutor, capitalized on Mississippi's large Black population and discontent with the economy. He also highlighted Hyde-Smith's missteps during her campaign for a second full term.
During the campaign, Colom emphasized his ability to represent all of Mississippi, a state with deep racial divisions. "It's got to be about having a party that represents rural America again, suburban America, urban America," he said, as reported by the Associated Press.
Colom's campaign gained momentum with support from prominent Democrats, including former President Bill Clinton and former Vice President Kamala Harris. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer also helped Colom raise funds. The Hill noted that Colom's victory makes him the first elected Black senator from Mississippi since 1881 and the first Democrat since 1982.
Colom's campaign was marked by effective advertising, including a widely circulated ad that criticized Hyde-Smith's comments on high beef prices. He also engaged with Trump supporters during a rally in Corinth, Mississippi, explaining his priorities and listening to their concerns.
Despite Hyde-Smith's endorsement from President Trump, Colom's campaign resonated with voters, particularly in the Mississippi Delta, where there was strong turnout in majority Black counties. Colom's victory is expected to have a lasting impact on Mississippi politics and the Democratic Party's strategy in the South.