‘I respect the decision’: Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith concedes defeat to Scott Colom

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - Republican incumbent Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith conceded defeat to Democrat Scott Colom Wednesday following a close race for the Senate seat.

In a video statement on X, Hyde-Smith said her campaign worked tirelessly to ensure every vote was counted and congratulated Colom on his win.

Cindy Hyde-Smith’s entire statement can be read below:

“I want to begin by telling you just how much the people of Mississippi mean to me. This state is my home. It’s where I’ve built my life, where I’ve had the incredible privilege of serving the people I love.

Serving you in the United States Senate has been one of the greatest honors of my life. When I first took office, I made a promise that I would never forget where I came from or who I worked for, and I never have.

Over the past week, our campaign has worked tirelessly to ensure every legally cast vote was counted and that the people of Mississippi received a fair and transparent election. 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.

To my family, our campaign staff, all the wonderful staff that I’ve had through the years, volunteers, donors, and the thousands of Mississippians who stood with us, I cannot thank you enough. You have meant more to me than words can express.

Together we have accomplished a great deal.

We have fought and delivered for our farmers, strengthened our military, supported our veterans, defended the unborn and delivered billions of dollars in investments in communities across Mississippi.

We have worked to protect our conservative values and ensure that Mississippi always has a strong voice in Washington.

I am proud of what we have accomplished together, but I want to make one thing very clear. An election may come to an end, but our commitment to Mississippi never will.

I have always believed that public service is about something much bigger than any one person or any one election. It is about the people we serve, the values we hold dear, and the future we leave for our children and grandchildren.

And while my time in the United States Senate may be coming to an end, my love for Mississippi and my determination to stand up for what is right never will.

I will always be proud to call Mississippi home. Thank you for this honor of serving you. God bless Mississippi and God bless the United States of America.”

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