Scott Colom Wins Mississippi Senate Race

Democrat Scott Colom defeated incumbent Republican Cindy Hyde-Smith in Mississippi’s U.S. Senate race on 11 November 2026. He is the state’s first Black U.S. senator since Reconstruction and its first Democrat elected to the Senate since 1982.

Mississippi election result

The Associated Press called the close race for Colom after officials spent several days counting absentee ballots and provisional ballots, known in Mississippi as affidavit ballots. With an estimated 99% of ballots counted, Colom had about 49.2% of the vote and Hyde-Smith 48.7%. Hyde-Smith conceded in a social-media video and called Colom to congratulate him.

Colom, a 43-year-old district attorney, had been nominated by President Joe Biden in 2022 to serve as a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi. Hyde-Smith blocked the nomination under a Senate practice allowing senators to object to federal judicial nominees from their home state. Colom’s win contributed to Democratic gains in the 2026 midterm elections, giving the party at least 55 Senate seats.

Important Facts for Exams

• Mail-ballot deadline: Mississippi counts mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day if they arrive within five business days afterwards.
• Affidavit-ballot cure: Mississippi affidavit ballots require voters to take action before they can be cured.
• Recount rules: Mississippi provides no mechanism for recounts under its election rules.