Ken Paxton Criticized Opponent Over Drag Performer
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has targeted Democrat James Talarico following remarks about performer Alyssa Edwards.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Elections
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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton launched a social media campaign targeting Democratic opponent James Talarico after Talarico named drag performer Alyssa Edwards as his favorite artist. Publicist Waylon Tate has since issued a response to Paxton on behalf of the entertainer.
Why it matters
Paxton is using the controversy to portray Talarico as being outside the political mainstream of Texas. The move follows ongoing legal debates in the state regarding drag performances and constitutional speech rights.
James Talarico accepted $40,000 in campaign contributions from donors associated with Chinese investments. Meanwhile, Elon Musk has committed $5.2 million toward various political races across Texas.
The players
Ken Paxton
Ken Paxton is the Attorney General of Texas who has focused his recent campaign rhetoric on targeting Democratic political opponents.
James Talarico
James Talarico is a Democratic candidate for office in Texas who faced criticism for comments regarding drag performers.
Alyssa Edwards
Alyssa Edwards is the stage name of 46-year-old performer Justin Dwayne Lee Johnson who is based in Mesquite, Texas.
Waylon Tate
Waylon Tate is a Dallas-based publicist who represents Alyssa Edwards in professional matters.
David Hittner
David Hittner is a U.S. District Judge who previously presided over legal challenges to state restrictions on drag performances.
The details
Paxton released multiple videos on X using clips from Talarico's campaign events and performances by Alyssa Edwards, whose legal name is Justin Dwayne Lee Johnson. The criticism arrives as candidates navigate a complex landscape of political funding and past court rulings, including a 2023 decision by U.S. District Judge David Hittner that invalidated a Texas drag performance ban.
Timeline
2023: U.S. District Judge David Hittner ruled that a Texas drag ban violated constitutional rights.
Sept. 14, 2026: Ken Paxton posted his first criticism of James Talarico on X.
Sept. 23, 2026: Paxton posted a video targeting Alyssa Edwards, prompting a response from Waylon Tate.
Political Context
This campaign conflict follows the precedent set by the 2023 court ruling which established constitutional protections for drag performances in Texas. Opposition groups argue that such personal cultural attacks distract from substantive policy debates regarding campaign finance and economic influence.
Voters should be aware of the campaign funding sources for candidates, including the $5.2 million in external investments entering Texas races. These political maneuvers often influence the scope of local regulatory agendas and public discourse leading up to election day.
The takeaway
Political candidates frequently utilize polarizing cultural issues to gain media attention and distinguish themselves from opponents in high-stakes races. Voters are encouraged to look past social media clips to evaluate a candidate's broader policy platforms and funding sources.
Further reading
For more on the current race, visit Texas Elections.
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