Scott Colom Makes History in Mississippi: First Black Senator in Over 150 Years, Secures First Democratic Senate Win in Decades

In a landmark election, Mississippi Democratic Senate candidate Scott Colom, alongside his wife Nadia Colom and daughters Gwendolyn Lucille Colom and Brooklyn Madison Colom, celebrated a historic victory in Jackson, Mississippi, on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. Colom has become the first Black senator from the deeply conservative state in over 150 years, marking the first Democratic victory in Mississippi for a Senate seat in more than four decades.

The narrow win against incumbent Republican Cindy Hyde-Smith was finalized late Wednesday, over a week after the US midterms, which saw a significant Democratic surge, often dubbed a "blue tsunami," leading to Democratic control of both the Senate and the House of Representatives. It has been 43 years since Democrats last secured a Senate seat in Mississippi, with the previous win in 1982. Colom's achievement transcends party lines, representing a pivotal moment for Mississippi's African American community, as he is the first Black American to hold a Senate seat since 1874.

The Mississippi Senate race was exceptionally close. With 99 percent of ballots counted, Colom defeated Hyde-Smith, an ally of former President Donald Trump, by fewer than 5,000 votes. Hyde-Smith had led in pre-election polling in Mississippi, a state where Trump had secured a 23-point victory in 2024. Colom's victory shifts the Democratic Senate majority to 55-44. Another closely contested race in Alaska, where Democrat Mary Peltola holds a slim lead, is still awaiting final counts.

Historically, only 14 Black senators have ever been elected or appointed in the United States, and Colom will join seven other new Black senators. Following the results, Colom addressed supporters at his victory party in Jackson, expressing his perseverance through challenging times. "There were times when I was tired, and I felt like I couldn’t keep going, but I kept the faith," Colom stated at the historically Black Tougaloo College. "I had the courage to believe in Mississippi. I had the courage to understand that we can show the country that Mississippi matters." He further conveyed his gratitude on X (formerly Twitter), posting, "This victory belongs to all of us, and I am honored to be your new senator-elect."

Scott Colom, 43, is a lawyer who served as a Mississippi prosecutor from 2016 until his election. He is married to Nadia Colom and is a father of two. His identical twin brother, Andrew, played a significant role in his campaign. Born in Columbus, Colom hails from a family of lawyers. Despite Mississippi having one of the largest Black populations in the US, the state had not seen a statewide elected Black official in over 140 years.

Colom stated his motivation for running was to "look out for the people," particularly on issues of affordability. He criticized incumbent Hyde-Smith for allegedly neglecting the state and "selling out" its residents. In 2015, Colom became the first Black American elected as district attorney for the 16th Judicial District, encompassing the predominantly white counties of Clay, Lowndes, Noxubee, and Oktibbeha. A notable case during his tenure was that of Eddie Lee Howard, a Black American man who was exonerated after spending 26 years on death row for murder, with charges being dropped in 2021 due to lack of evidence, a decision confirmed by Colom's office.

In 2022, Colom was nominated as a US district judge by former President Joe Biden, but his nomination was opposed by Hyde-Smith, who raised concerns about his alleged support for transgender athletes and funding from George Soros.

Colom's appeal to Republican voters has been attributed to his personable demeanor, respectful campaign messaging, and effective, memorable advertisements. While he naturally resonated with Black voters, his campaign successfully reached a broader electorate. One advertisement cleverly highlighted Hyde-Smith's controversial response to rising beef prices, where she suggested Mississippians explore alternative proteins. Colom's ad countered, "You know, you have so many proteins to choose from... pick another senator instead." His wife, Nadia, also played a visible role, notably in an ad where she affectionately called him "Sweet Thang." Colom's final campaign video adopted a more reflective tone, referencing civil rights icon Medgar Evers, a WWII veteran and advocate for Black voting rights and desegregation, who was murdered in 1963.

Across social media, numerous Mississippians, including some who traditionally vote Republican, expressed their support for Colom in the midterms.

Regarding his policy positions, Colom has condemned the Iran war for its impact on grocery and gas prices. He advocates for increased congressional involvement in future military actions, Senate oversight of tariffs, and a higher minimum wage. He also proposed federal tax cuts for Mississippians earning under $75,000.

On healthcare and safety, Colom pledged to oppose efforts to cut Medicaid, support better compensation for law enforcement, and ensure secure borders while upholding the law.

Concerning Big Tech, Colom has stated that Mississippians should have a say in the construction of data centers in their communities, and tech companies should bear the costs of power and water for such facilities. He also aims to improve accountability for artificial intelligence.

Whispers of a potential Colom presidency in 2028 have emerged among his supporters, amidst the Democratic party's search for viable candidates. Some conservatives have even labeled Colom a greater threat than Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, another potential contender. However, Colom has downplayed such speculation, emphasizing his commitment to Mississippi. "I am not trying to be a threat to anybody," Colom told CNN. "I’m trying to focus on delivering for Mississippi… We’ve got to get back to leadership that’s rooted in serving people, listening to them, learning their concerns, and delivering for them."