From New York Post · · 1m 20s
Democrat's quick drag queen answer sparks GOP firestorm
James Talarico's instant response about his favorite drag performer becomes a viral flashpoint in his Texas Senate race.
In brief
James Talarico's instant response about his favorite drag performer becomes a viral flashpoint in his Texas Senate race. A casual comment about drag queens became a major campaign controversy when Republicans weaponized it to paint Talarico as out of touch with Texas values. Originally reported by New York Post.
Democrat quickly names favorite drag queen
James Talarico, a Democratic Senate candidate in Texas, was asked at a campaign event to name his favorite drag queen and instantly answered Alyssa Edwards.
“Oh my gosh, probably Alyssa Edwards.”
Republicans seize on the viral moment
The Republican National Committee shared the clip, which went viral, and the National Republican Senatorial Committee posted it with a 2023 quote of Talarico praising Texas drag queens.
VP Vance and other GOP figures pile on
Vice President JD Vance shared his famous side-eye meme in response. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, Talarico's opponent, called him too weird and radical for Texas.
“What normal person can name their favorite drag queen this quickly?”
Stephen Miller uses Trump's nickname
White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller called Talarico deeply sick and disturbed, using a derogatory nickname that President Trump has deployed against him.
“Talafreako is a deeply sick and disturbed individual.”
Alyssa Edwards thanks Talarico for support
The drag queen Alyssa Edwards responded by thanking Talarico for recognizing that the arts have a purpose in Texas, citing a Bible verse about judgment.
“Thank you James Talarico for recognizing that the arts have a purpose and a home right here in the Lone Star State.”
What it means
A casual comment about drag queens became a major campaign controversy when Republicans weaponized it to paint Talarico as out of touch with Texas values.
