Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico says Alyssa Edwards is his favorite drag queen
Share
Democratic nominee in the 2026 U.S. Senate election in Texas, James Talarico, is going viral among supporters and under fire from Republicans after sharing his favorite drag queen.
Talarico has previously defended drag performers and was recently asked to name his favorite performer at an appearance.
“Oh my gosh, probably Alyssa Edwards,” the Texan Senate candidate replied instantaneously.
Republicans were less than happy about it. The clip was shared by Attorney General Ken Paxton, calling James “too radical” for Texas. “What normal person can name their favourite drag queen this quickly?”
What normal person can name their favorite drag queen this quickly? When James Talarico isn’t advocating for children to dress in drag, he’s watching drag performances and saying that Texas produces the best drag queens. James Talarico is too weird and too radical for Texas. https://t.co/TQlU3QO5RB
— Attorney General Ken Paxton (@KenPaxtonTX) September 14, 2026
He added: “When James Talarico isn’t advocating for children to dress in drag, he’s watching drag performances and saying that Texas produces the best drag queens.”
“James Talarico is too weird and too radical for Texas.”
Talarico’s agenda is largely viewed as progressive and has made comments in support of LGBTQ+ rights while incorporating faith-based messaging.
In 2023, Talarico commented on the issue of a drag ban bill in the state, denouncing the restriction of public performances from artists.
"I think Texas is obviously the best state in the nation and I think we produce some of the best drag queens in the nation," Talarico told the outlet. "And I didn’t want any legislation to target them or hurt that industry."
As for transgender athletes in women's sports, "I oppose trans athletes playing in girls’ sports if it endangers safety or fairness."
"Every sport has to be safe and fair. As a former public school teacher, I care a lot about our student athletes. I care a lot about our students. And so, I will oppose trans athletes playing in girls’ sports if it risks safety or fairness," he said.
Your favorite politician’s favorite Drag Queen. Thank you @jamestalarico for recognizing that the arts have a purpose and a home right here in the Lone Star State. Matthew 7:1 #ProudTexan
— Alyssa Edwards (@AlyssaEdwards_1) September 15, 2026
Alyssa Edwards, who won Global All Stars season one, responded to Talarico in a tweet.
“Your favorite politician’s favorite Drag Queen,” Edwards posted on X. “Thank you for recognizing that the arts have a purpose and a home right here in the Lone Star State. Matthew 7:1 #ProudTexan”
Recently, the Democratic politician visited Jimmy Kimmel Live! after the FCC threatened the show and ABC should they air their interview. The concerns were “ based on simple traditional editorial decisions, guest bookings, it would seem they don’t like,” said Kimmel during his September 9 monologue before the show.
Instead, the show uploaded the segment to their YouTube channel, and it is already the second most-viewed video of 2026 three days after it was made available.