Scott Colom Wins Bid to Oust Mississippi Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith

In a race that upended decades of political precedent in the American South, Democrat Scott Colom won his longshot bid to oust incumbent Republican Cindy Hyde-Smith, PBS News reported.

Colom’s victory marks the first time Mississippi has elected a new Democratic U.S. senator since 1947. He will also be the first Black senator for the state since the Post-Reconstruction Era nearly 150 years ago, according to PBS News.

Mississippi Senate upset: Scott Colom's full victory speech — CNN

The outcome pushes the Democratic majority in the new Congress to 55 seats come January. Democrats flipped eight Senate seats from Republican to Democrat during this midterm cycle.

Supporters gathered at Tougaloo College to celebrate the historic result. Colom delivered his victory speech at the historically black Tougaloo College while his daughters recited the pledge of allegiance and the school choir performed “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

Scott Colom gives Mississippi voters credit for his Senate win in victory speech — Associated Press

“I am 71 years old. I’ve lived here almost all my life and finally the walls breaking down,” Lynn Watkins told PBS NewsHour.

Days of processing absentee and provisional ballots confirmed Colom’s lead, leaving Hyde-Smith unable to catch up. Hyde-Smith released a statement acknowledging the outcome.

“I respect the decision of Mississippi voters. I want to congratulate Scott Cologne and wish him well as he takes on the tremendous responsibility of representing our great state,” said Cindy Hyde-Smith.

Voters pointed to Colom’s grassroots campaigning and viral advertisements as key factors in the upset. In one widely shared campaign spot, a voter rejected Hyde-Smith’s suggestion to choose a cheaper protein amid rising beef prices.

Scott Colom Wins Bid to Oust Mississippi Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith

Colom said that economic relief remains his primary objective as he prepares for the Senate.

“I’m focused on affordability. That’s my focus. I mean, you know, I think that the people have g given us a mandate to try to work with anybody we can to get cost down, money in people’s pocket,” Scott Colom told PBS NewsHour on Tuesday.

With the Mississippi contest decided, attention turns to Alaska as the final uncalled Senate race. Democrat Mary Peltola maintains a slight lead over incumbent Republican Senator Dan Sullivan, PBS News reported.