Mississippians react to Democrat Senator-Elect Scott Colom’s win

In a historic win against incumbent Mississippi Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, Scott Colom will soon become Mississippi’s first Democratic senator in over 40 years.

For an entire week, all eyes were on Mississippi’s U.S. Senate Race as razor thin margins separated Hyde-Smith and Colom, but the wait is now over, with Democrat Colom taking the seat by just a few thousand votes.

A historic win for Democrat Scott Colom, marking the first Mississippi Democrat elected to the U.S. Senate in more than 40 years and the first black individual elected to state office since the Reconstruction Era.

Throughout his campaign, Colom has emphasized his commitment to listening to the concerns and needs of all Mississippians and taking meaningful action to address the changes they have expressed a desire to see throughout the state. Harrison County Democratic Executive Committee Chair Angela Trammel said, “I think it means a lot. It means that things are changing in the state of Mississippi. You know, there were a lot of things that inspired voters to come out and act for somebody that gave them hope for a different future than the one that they’re living in. So many things have happened in Mississippi where voters across all demographics want some change, so I think that’s what led them to the polls, and I think that’s what’s gonna keep leading them to the polls.”

According to the Associated Press, Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith called Colom on Wednesday afternoon to concede. She released a concession speech short after. “While this is not the outcome we worked for or hoped for, I respect the decision of Mississippi voters. I want to congratulate Scott Colom and wish him well as he takes on the tremendous responsibility of representing our great state.”

Following Colom’s win, Mississippi Republican Party Chairman Mike Hurst congratulated him on his election to the U.S. Senate, noting that Republicans respect the decision made by Mississippi voters. “Scott Colom ran a good campaign here in Mississippi, and I congratulate him on his victory. The people of Mississippi have spoken, and we republicans respect their decision.”