JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI – NOVEMBER 4: District Attorney and U.S. Senate candidate for Mississippi Scott Colom speaks as he gives an update on state of Senate race against Cindy Hyde-Smith November 4, 2026 in Jackson, Mississippi. Colom And Hyde-Smith are virtually deadlocked in state’s senate race as ballot counting continues. (Photo by Rogelio V. Solis) – Source: Getty Images
The political shift in Forrest County, Mississippi, has drawn attention beyond the Senate race, bringing renewed focus to the region’s complicated history with racial discrimination and the Ku Klux Klan, according to the Mississippi Free Press. Democratic candidate Scott Colom’s strong showing in the county prompted politician Isaiah Martin to highlight the historical significance of the development.
“Scott Colom just flipped a county in Mississippi named after a KKK founder. Poetic justice!!!!!!” Martin wrote on Threads.
Colom’s campaign was a significant political change for Forrest County, which had voted Republican for the last 20 years in the recent presidential election, with Donald Trump having won the 2024 election.
The name of the county has been a topic of conversation since it was established, due to its link with Confederate general Nathan Bedford Forrest, slave trader and the first grand wizard of the Ku Klux Klan. The election results have put that historical connection into a new discussion for many of the residents.
Mississippi Senate race hinges on remaining ballots
MS Now reports that the Mississippi Senate race is moving toward a close as election officials are still processing outstanding ballots, and Democrat Scott Colom is maintaining a narrow lead over Republican incumbent Cindy Hyde-Smith. Both campaigns have also prepared for court challenges in the coming weeks, further clouding the situation…