Mississippi Senate Race Nears Historic First as Ballot Count Continues

Democrat Scott Colom could become Mississippi's first Black U.S. senator since Reconstruction, but the race remains uncalled as counties tally absentee and affidavit ballots. The outcome hinges on a lengthy verification process across all 82 counties. Colom, a 43-year-old local prosecutor, faces Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith in a razor-thin contest. Nearly 40% of Mississippi's population is Black, yet white conservatives have dominated top representation for generations. Ballots must be received by Tuesday, with counties certifying results by Friday. Democrats already control the Senate, so the result won't shift Washington's balance of power. However, it would mark a historic change in a state where white leaders have held power for nearly 150 years. Colom has emphasized representing all Mississippians while acknowledging his candidacy's significance.