Who is Scott Colom, the new senator for Mississippi? And why is his victory historic?

Scott Colom's victory in Mississippi is historic as he becomes the first Black senator from the state in nearly 150 years. His win reflects a significant shift in representation, especially in a state where nearly 37% of the population is Black. Colom, a Democrat, defeated incumbent Republican Cindy Hyde-Smith by a narrow margin after a closely contested election. His background includes serving as a local judge and prosecutor, and he gained attention for helping exonerate a man on death row. Colom's campaign focused on economic issues rather than race, emphasizing the rising cost of living and healthcare cuts. His election marks a pivotal moment in Mississippi's political landscape, which has been dominated by white representatives for over a century.

Fact-check this story: paste the text or link into Justifact and get a verdict with the sources consulted.