Scott Colom: How a Black Democrat Conquered Mississippi

Scott Colom most recently worked as a district attorney: The Democrat has made a name for himself with strict sentences against violent offenders and therapy offers for non-violent first-time offenders. His family has lived in Mississippi for seven generations. Now Colom is the future US Senator - and the first black person in 145 years.

He is very proud to represent Mississippi, said the 43-year-old. But even his own party did not believe in his victory in the Republican stronghold of Mississippi. For a long time he was largely on his own during the election campaign. In the beginning, he sometimes spoke in front of ten people, says Colom. His Christian faith helped him to persevere: "For me, this journey began with a prayer. In Mississippi, our prayers have often changed the course of history."

Long history of racism in Mississippi

Colom also alludes to Mississippi's long dark history of racism and discrimination. In hardly any other state have right-wing extremist terrorist groups intimidated black voters so massively.

Colom shows his last campaign video from the house of civil rights activist Medgar Evers. He was murdered in 1963 because he supported black voting rights. Colom therefore calls on everyone to use their right to vote and thereby honor those who fought for this right.

Attention through viral election campaign clip

About a third of Mississippi's population is black. To win, Colom also had to win over white voters. Dissatisfaction with US President Donald Trump and the high cost of living helped.

But also an awkward remark from his Republican opponent Cindy Hyde-Smith, who, when asked about the high meat prices, said that you could also choose other proteins. Colom's social media team turned this into the slogan: "Choose another senator now."

The clip went viral and brought the Democrat attention far beyond his own base. "I had to take advantage of being an older millennial and not being able to do traditional canvassing. I had to use social media creatively."

In Washington, for example, the new senator wants to advocate for a higher minimum wage and a different customs policy. He also doesn't rule out working with Donald Trump. He is considered an independent mind. Scott Colom says he got his values ​​from his parents, not from his party.