Before Scott Colom, these two men were the last black US senators in Mississippi

A significant factor in Colom's victory was his success in mobilising young people and the state's large black population, who are expected to have turned out in high numbers.

In a victory speech, Colom referenced how Revels, who was a minister and served as a chaplain during the Civil War, gained support for his Senate campaign through his words.

"That's an example of the power of prayer, and through our history, there are so many people that lifted this state up through the power of prayer in very dark times," Colom said.

Prior to the result being called, the BBC spoke to students at Jackson State University, a historically black college in Mississippi. Many of them had voted for the first time and backed Colom.

"I really feel like a change is what we need," 18-year-old Jamyria Dunn said.

"I've had some amazing days in my life," she continued, "but seeing Mississippi, this state in particular, turn blue, would really bring a light to my heart that people just would not understand."