Scott Colom could become Mississippi's first Black senator since Reconstruction

Democrat Scott Colom has not yet won Mississippi's U.S. Senate race, but he could become the state's first Black senator since Reconstruction as ballot counting continues. The outcome hinges on outstanding absentee and affidavit ballots being processed across all 82 counties. Colom, a 43-year-old local prosecutor, is challenging Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith in a razor-thin contest too early for the Associated Press to call. Ballots can be received through Tuesday, with counties certifying results by Friday, though no statewide recount provision exists under Mississippi law. Democrats already control the Senate, so the result won't shift Washington's balance of power, but it would be historic in a state where nearly 40% of residents are Black yet white conservatives have dominated representation for generations. Colom has emphasized representing all Mississippians while acknowledging his candidacy's significance.