Scott Colom, the district attorney for Mississippi’s 16th judicial district, defeated Republican U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith in a closely contested race, according to a call by The Associated Press on Wednesday evening. Colom won by roughly 5,000 votes with a small portion of ballots remaining to be counted, delivering what observers characterized as one of the year’s most surprising electoral outcomes.
Colom’s campaign centered on issues including accessible healthcare, preservation of rural hospitals, and economic affordability. He emphasized the importance of bipartisan approaches to addressing these concerns, stating that most Mississippians prioritize the state’s wellbeing above partisan loyalty. His message gained traction not only in traditionally Democratic areas like Hinds County but also in Republican strongholds such as Forrest County, which President Trump won in 2024 with approximately 58% of the vote.
Hyde-Smith had previously blocked Colom’s federal judicial nomination in 2023 when then-President Joe Biden nominated him for a federal judgeship. She cited concerns about donations to an independent PAC supporting his district attorney campaign and his positions on certain legislation. Colom responded to those objections in a letter to the senator, clarifying that he had not opposed protecting female athletes and would set aside personal views if confirmed as a judge. On election night, Hyde-Smith told supporters she had blocked Colom from the bench and urged voters to do the same; she later conceded the race and issued a statement respecting voters’ decision.
Colom’s victory carries historical significance as the first time Mississippi elected a Democrat to the Senate since 1982 and the first time an incumbent senator lost since 1942. He also became the state’s first Black senator since Reconstruction. While his campaign initially operated with limited resources through grassroots organizing, national Democratic support accelerated in the final weeks, with a PAC associated with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer contributing $1.2 million for advertising and several prominent Democratic figures campaigning alongside him.
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