Democrat Scott Colom wins Mississippi Senate seat

Colom defeats Hyde-Smith

Democrat Scott Colom has won election to the U.S. Senate from Mississippi, according to the Associated Press, narrowly defeating Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith.

Closest race in the country

After more than a week of counting outstanding absentee and provisional ballots, Colom won by just a few thousand votes in the closest Senate race in the country.

Democrats gain 55 Senate seats

Colom's victory expands the majority Democrats will have in the new Congress to fifty-five seats, with the race in Alaska still undecided.

Historic shift in the South

Mississippi has the highest share of Black voters in the country at close to forty percent. The state hasn't elected a Democrat to the U.S. Senate in more than forty years.

Cost of living drove the race

Colom, a district attorney, made cost of living a centerpiece of his campaign, decrying Cindy High-Prices as bad for Mississippi. The state's rural economy was hit hard by rising prices.

“pick another protein”

Hyde-Smith concedes the race

Hyde-Smith conceded in a video posted to social media, saying she respects the decision of Mississippi voters and congratulated Colom on his victory.

“While this is not the outcome we worked for or hoped for, I respect the decision of Mississippi voters.”