Texas – “Nothing to see here…. Just Talarico gushing that Texas has ‘the best drag queens’ in America,” Texas Senator Ted Cruz wrote as he criticized Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico over resurfaced comments about drag performers.
Cruz’s post came after comments from Talarico, a Texas state representative and Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, resurfaced from 2023 in which he praised Texas drag performers while discussing state legislation that targeted certain drag performances.
The remarks were made during a debate over a Texas bill that restricted certain “se-ually oriented performances” in public places and locations where minors could be present. Talarico argued against targeting drag performers through legislation and said Texas had some of the best drag performers in the country, FOX News reported.
Republicans, including Cruz and other Texas officials, have used the comments to criticize Talarico’s views on cultural issues as he campaigns for a U.S. Senate seat. Talarico is seeking the Democratic nomination in a competitive race that has focused heavily on issues including education, religion, social policy and the role of government.
The resurfaced comments have become part of a broader political battle between Talarico and Republican candidates, including Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who has also criticized Talarico’s positions on issues involving gender, religion and social policy.
Talarico’s comments were originally made while discussing concerns that legislation could unfairly target performers and businesses. According to reports, he argued that laws should not single out drag performers and said he wanted to avoid policies that could harm the entertainment industry.
The controversy comes as Texas Republicans continue to make cultural issues a major focus of campaigns across the state. Supporters of restrictions on certain performances argue the laws are intended to protect children from inappropriate content, while opponents argue the measures unfairly target LGBTQ performers and raise free speech concerns.
Talarico, who previously worked as a public school teacher before serving in the Texas Legislature, has built his Senate campaign around issues including affordability, public education and government reform. His campaign has also highlighted his Christian faith and described his political approach as focused on service and compassion.
Cruz’s criticism adds to a growing exchange between national and state Republican figures and Talarico as the Senate race gains attention. Republicans have argued that Talarico’s past statements show he is out of step with many Texas voters, while Democrats have defended him as a candidate focused on issues affecting working families.
The debate over Talarico’s comments reflects the larger political divide in Texas over cultural issues, with both parties using past statements and legislative records to appeal to voters ahead of the upcoming election.
