Scott Colom Wins Mississippi Senate Seat, First Democrat Since 1982

Democratic nominee Scott Colom, a local district attorney, defeated Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith in Mississippi's Senate race, unseating the incumbent and changing the state's representation in Washington.

The result makes Colom the first Democrat elected to the Senate from Mississippi since 1982 and the state's first Black senator since the Reconstruction era.

Hyde-Smith congratulated Colom in a video statement. “While this is not the outcome we worked for, or hoped for, I respect the decision of Mississippi voters,” she said, adding that she wished him well as he takes on the responsibility of representing the state.

Democrats are set to hold at least 55 seats in the Senate after flipping at least eight from Republicans. Alaska remains the only Senate race without a call, leaving the final chamber total open.

Democrats also won enough House seats to take control when the next Congress begins in January. Colom's election adds a new senator to a chamber that will shape national policy, including crypto legislation.