Republicans accused James Talarico of wanting to “drag down Texas” Tuesday after the Democratic Senate hopeful was filmed quickly naming his favorite drag queen.
Talarico, who has long praised and defended Texas drag performers, was asked by a man during a campaign event to name his favorite and, within a second, responded, “Oh my gosh, probably Alyssa Edwards.”
The clip, shared by the Republican National Committee’s RNC Research X account on Monday, quickly went viral and raised Republican eyebrows.
Talarico has long praised the Lone Star State’s drag performers. AFP via Getty Images “James Talarico wants to drag down Texas,” the National Republican Senatorial Committee posted on social media , including a 2023 quote from the candidate arguing that the Lone Star State produces “some of the best drag queens in the nation.”
Vice President JD Vance weighed in by sharing an image of the knowing, side-eye glance he gave the television audience during his 2024 vice presidential debate against Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, which has since become a popular meme.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton , Talarico’s opponent in the Senate race, argued the Democratic candidate’s quick response suggests...