Democrat Scott Colom has defeated Republican incumbent Cindy Hyde-Smith in Mississippi’s US Senate election, becoming the state’s first Black senator since Reconstruction and its first Democratic Senate election winner since 1982.
The Associated Press called the contest on Wednesday 11 November 2026, more than a week after the 3 November election, following the counting of outstanding absentee and provisional ballots. Hyde-Smith subsequently conceded, ending one of the closest Senate contests of the midterms.
A narrow Mississippi result
At the time the AP called the race, Colom had approximately 49.2% of the vote against Hyde-Smith’s 48.7%, a lead of around 4,600 votes. Independent candidate Ty Pinkins had approximately 2.1%. These were reported, uncertified figures and may change before certification.
The count had remained exceptionally close since election night. AP said Colom led by only 43 votes after the final election-night update, but subsequent county reports, including provisional ballot decisions, steadily increased his advantage. The news agency declared the winner once the remaining outstanding votes were insufficient to overturn that lead.
Hyde-Smith concedes
Hyde-Smith, who has served in the US Senate since 2018, acknowledged defeat in a video statement on Wednesday. She said she respected the decision of Mississippi voters and congratulated Colom on his victory. Local broadcaster WAPT also reported that Hyde-Smith called Colom to concede.
Why Colom’s victory is historic
Colom, 43, is a Mississippi district attorney. His win makes him the first Black US senator elected from Mississippi since the post-Civil War Reconstruction era and the first Democrat to win a Senate election in the state since John C. Stennis won re-election in 1982.
The result is particularly notable in a state that voted decisively for Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election. Colom’s campaign emphasised the cost of living, healthcare and local concerns while seeking support from both habitual Democratic voters and people who had previously backed Republicans.
What it means for the Senate
The Mississippi seat is a Republican-to-Democratic gain. Reporting from NPR, Roll Call and Mississippi Today indicated that Colom’s victory brought Democrats’ projected caucus in the next Senate to at least 55 seats, with Alaska still unresolved at the time of the Mississippi race call. This refers to the incoming Congress, not the sitting Senate.
For broader national developments, see our earlier US midterm election results briefing.
Is the result final?
The Associated Press race call is a projection based on reported election returns and remaining votes. It is not the same as official certification. Mississippi’s formal canvassing and certification process remains relevant, and local reporting had noted the possibility of legal challenges. Hyde-Smith’s concession is an important development, but the figures cited here should not be described as certified final totals.
Follow this story: Mississippi Senate election 2026.
