Russ Hudson Becomes Face of Scott Colom's Viral Senate Ad After 1 Profane Line
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Nov 12
Russ Hudson Becomes Face of Scott Colom's Viral Senate Ad After 1 Profane Line
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Nov 12
Summary
Russ Hudson, 35, emerged as the breakout face of Scott Colom’s Senate campaign after stepping into a backyard ad at the last minute when his father refused to deliver a profane line.
That spot mocked Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith’s suggestion that Mississippians choose another protein as beef prices rose, ending with Hudson’s drawled punchline: “I’d rather pick another senator, instead.”
The ad, filmed at Colom’s parents’ house in the campaign’s final weeks, became a defining feature of Colom’s message and helped fuel his upset victory over the Republican incumbent.
Hudson — an Afghanistan veteran, disabled father and previously apolitical voter — said Colom’s focus on high costs and veterans’ benefits drew him in, turning a small favor into a statewide and online sensation.