GALLERY – Congratulations to Scott Colom on his historic victory in the race for the United States Senate, defeating incumbent Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith

Congratulations to Scott Colom on his historic victory in the race for the United States Senate, defeating incumbent Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith. Colom’s victory marks a significant moment in Mississippi history. He becomes the fi rst Black person elected to represent Mississippi in the U.S. Senate since the Reconstruction era, more than 150 years after the state’s first Black U.S. senators served during that period. His election also marks the first time since 1982 that Mississippi voters have elected a Democrat to the U.S. Senate, bringing an extraordinary chapter in the state’s political history. The victory represents a milestone not only for Colom, but also for generations of Mississippians whose contributions, sacrifices, and commitment to political representation helped make this moment possible. As Mississippi prepares for this new chapter, attention now turns to the work ahead and the responsibility of representing the people of the Magnolia State in Washington. Colom chose Tougaloo College to give his acceptance speech and reaffirm Mississippi matters. (Advocate photos: Joshua Martin)