Celebrations erupted across Mississippi following Scott Colom’s surprising victory in the recent Senate election. Colom, the Democratic candidate, won against Republican incumbent Cindy Hyde-Smith, marking a significant upset in a traditionally Republican stronghold.
The election, held on November 8, 2026, drew attention not only for its outcome but also for a viral campaign advertisement featuring an unexpected star: Russ Hudson. Hudson, an Army veteran and father, had a brief yet impactful role in Colom’s ad, which gained traction in the final weeks of the campaign.
Hudson’s appearance was unplanned. Initially, his father was set to appear in the ad but declined to deliver a scripted line involving profanity. Russ stepped in, delivering a humorous and straightforward retort to a comment made by Hyde-Smith about switching protein sources due to rising beef prices. In the ad, he quipped, “Shee-it, I’d rather pick another senator, instead,” with a distinctive Southern drawl.
“I just did it like a Mississippian would,” Hudson remarked about his performance, noting he expected only a modest audience. However, the ad resonated widely, becoming a defining moment for Colom’s campaign and contributing significantly to his victory.
In the wake of the ad’s success, Hudson embraced his newfound notoriety. He downloaded TikTok to engage with the flood of commentary from friends and even received custom merchandise featuring his image and the catchy phrase from the ad. He often jokes with fans, repeating his line for those who request it.
Despite his sudden rise in recognition, Hudson had not previously been active in political circles. As a disabled veteran on a fixed income, he was drawn to Colom’s promises of addressing high costs and safeguarding veterans’ benefits. Reflecting on the attention generated by the campaign, he said, “A lot of people don’t know much about Mississippi. And look at us now. We’re worldwide.”
Looking ahead, Scott Colom will take office in January 2027, becoming the first Democrat to represent Mississippi in the Senate since 2016. His campaign’s focus and the unconventional ad strategy are expected to serve as critical points of discussion in the political landscape moving forward.
