Mississippi elects Democrat Scott Colom as first black senator since 19th century

Colom's narrow victory is a seismic shift in Mississippi, a state that has been dominated by white conservative governance for generations – despite having the largest black population share of any US state.

The result adds to a decisive midterm rebuke of President Donald Trump, whose party suffered defeats in several Republican-controlled states. It will also strengthen the argument among some Democrats that their party's future runs through the American South.

“All I did was have the courage to imagine a night like this,” Colom told a crowd of hundreds gathered at Tougaloo College for his victory party.

“I had the courage to believe in Mississippi. I had the courage to understand that we can show the country that Mississippi matters.”

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Racial divisions

The last time Mississippi elected a new Democratic senator was in 1947, when the winner was a staunch segregationist.

Colom, a 43-year-old local prosecutor, capitalised on the state's large black population, discontent over the economy and Hyde-Smith's missteps as she sought a second full term.

“They actually deserve a senator who will listen to them, who actually cares about what they think and what they're going through,” Colom said in the closing stages of the campaign.

Hyde-Smith, 67, called Colom late on Wednesday afternoon to concede, and released a concession speech online shortly afterwards.

“While this is not the outcome we worked for or hoped for, I respect the decision of Mississippi voters,” Hyde-Smith said. “I want to congratulate Scott Colom and wish him well as he takes on the tremendous responsibility of representing our great state.” Cindy Hyde-Smith at her election night watch party at the Refuge Hotel in Flowood, Mississippi, 3 November.

Colom said during the campaign that he would represent all of Mississippi, a state where racial divisions have long shaped its politics and society. He repeated that pledge after his victory.

“My commitment to you, each and every one of you, is that first I'm going to treat your children as I want my children to be treated. I'm going to treat your parents the way I want my parents to be treated," Colom said.

"I'm going to treat your future the way I want my future to be, and work to make every Mississippian's life better.”

(with newswires)