# Scott Colom and Black Mississippians stand on the cusp of Senate history as vote count stretches on

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/scott-colom-and-black-mississippians-stand-on-the-cusp-of-senate-history-as-vote-count-stretches-on/
- Published: 2026-11-07T17:54:01+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-07T18:26:59+00:00
- Original publisher: PBS NewsHour (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/scott-colom-and-black-mississippians-stand-on-the-cusp-of-senate-history-as-vote-count-stretches-on
- Topics: Elections, Government, Politics

## Key points

- Mississippi is still counting votes in a closely watched Senate race.
- Scott Colom could become the state’s first Black senator since Reconstruction.
- The result will not change which party controls the Senate.

## Summary

Mississippi is still counting votes in the US Senate race between Democrat Scott Colom and Republican incumbent Cindy Hyde-Smith. The result could make Colom the state’s first Black senator since Reconstruction, a milestone in a state where nearly 40% of residents are Black and political representation has long been dominated by white conservatives.

The Associated Press has not called the race, and the remaining ballots could determine the outcome. County officials are reviewing absentee and provisional ballots; absentee ballots may arrive by Tuesday, while voters with identification issues have until then to resolve them. Counties must certify results by Friday, and state law does not provide for a statewide recount, though campaigns may seek court reviews county by county. The result will not change control of the Senate, which Democrats have already secured.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.