WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - Democrat Scott Colom defeated Republican incumbent Cindy Hyde-Smith to become Mississippi’s first Black U.S. senator since 1881.

The race was called more than a week after the midterm elections, after local election officials processed thousands of absentee and provisional ballots.

The Associated Press called the race Wednesday. With 99% of ballots counted, Colom led by fewer than 5,000 votes.

“There were times when I was tired and I felt like I couldn’t keep going, but I kept the faith,” Colom said to supporters at his victory party at Tougaloo College in Jackson, Mississippi, Wednesday night.

Colom will also be the first Democrat to represent Mississippi in the Senate in nearly 40 years. John C. Stennis, a segregationist, retired in 1989.

His win adds to the Democratic majority in the Senate, as well, which now stands at 55-44 with eight seats flipped. The Senate race in Alaska remains uncalled.

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

Sen. Hyde-Smith, an ally of President Donald Trump, was running for her second full term. She was initially appointed to fill a vacancy and then won a special election in 2018.

Hyde-Smith released a video Wednesday night conceding the race.

“While this is not the outcome we worked for or hoped for, I respect the decision of Mississippi voters. I want to congratulate Scott Colom and wish him well, as he takes on the tremendous responsibility of representing our great state,” Hyde-Smith said.

Only 14 Black senators have ever been elected or appointed in the U.S.

When the 120th Congress is sworn in Jan. 3, seven Black senators will be serving.

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