Scott Colom makes history as Mississippi's first Black US senator since the 19th century

Democrat Scott Colom secured a shock victory in the US Senate race in Mississippi, defeating Republican incumbent Cindy Hyde-Smith by fewer than 5,000 votes. This win makes Colom the first Black person from Mississippi to be seated in the US Senate since Blanche Bruce served from 1875 to 1881. Colom's victory expands the Democrats' hold to 55 seats in the 100-member Senate. Despite the state's deep conservative history, Colom campaigned across all 82 counties, capitalizing on voter discontent regarding economic issues and tariffs to pull off the historic win.