Midterms 2026: Democrats win historic victory in Mississippi
The 43-year-old Democrat wins over incumbent Cindy Hyde-Smith in a very close vote
Quick Look
Scott Colom, a 43-year-old black prosecutor, was elected senator from Mississippi, beating Cindy Hyde-Smith by 0.46 points after a campaign marked by a viral advertising spot mocking an opponent's statement on the price of beef.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Scott Colom, a 43-year-old black prosecutor, led a Democratic campaign for the Mississippi Senate marked by a viral commercial mocking a statement by Cindy Hyde-Smith on the price of beef. The vote was decided by a few thousand votes after more than a week of counting.
Scott Colom owes his notoriety to an advertising spot that went viral. The Democratic candidate for the Senate for Mississippi makes fun of a gaffe made by his Republican opponent. The clip begins with a clip from an interview with Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, in which she downplays the increasingly high price of beef by saying, "Mississippi citizens 'have a lot of other proteins to choose from'." The camera then cuts to a big guy grilling hamburgers. “Choose another protein? », he exclaims in an incredulous tone. “I prefer to choose another senator. »
It’s done. Voters elected Scott Colom, a 43-year-old black prosecutor. Counting the ballots took time because the very close vote was decided by a few thousand votes. His opponent, outgoing senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, conceded defeat on Wednesday evening after more than a week of counting. Colom received 49.18% of the vote, compared to 48.72% for Hyde-Smith.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Scott Colom will be sworn in and take office in the United States Senate.
Very likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- What was the exact margin of votes between the two candidates?
- What will be Scott Colom's first legislative priorities in the Senate?
- How does Cindy Hyde-Smith plan to reposition herself after her defeat?
