Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico recently drew attention at a campaign event when he was asked to name his favorite drag queen in Texas. His answer came almost immediately: “Oh, my gosh. Probably Alyssa Edwards.” The exchange was captured on video and subsequently circulated widely online. (Fox News)

The performer Talarico named, Alyssa Edwards, is the stage name of Justin Dwayne Lee Johnson, a Texas-born drag performer known internationally for appearances on RuPaul’s Drag Race and other entertainment programs. Edwards has also built a career as a dancer, choreographer, and television personality. (LGBTQ Nation)

The moment occurred after a supporter approached Talarico and referred to his previous defense of drag performers in Texas. The supporter then asked him directly who his favorite Texas drag queen was. Talarico responded by naming Edwards without hesitation. (Fox News)

The comment quickly became part of the political discussion surrounding Talarico’s 2026 Senate campaign. Republican figures, including his Senate opponent Ken Paxton, criticized Talarico over his support for drag performers and connected the comment to his previous public statements about drag in Texas. (New York Post)

Talarico has previously spoken positively about Texas drag performers. In 2023, he said that Texas produces “some of the best drag queens in the nation” while discussing legislation affecting drag performances. (LGBTQ Nation)

Edwards herself responded positively to the attention. In a September 18 video, she thanked Talarico for naming her and emphasized the idea that people can respect one another even when they live different lives or disagree on issues. She also invoked Dolly Parton as an example of kindness and goodwill. (LGBTQ Nation)

The exchange illustrates how a brief comment at a campaign event can quickly become part of a broader political conversation. What began as a question about Talarico’s favorite performer was subsequently discussed by supporters, political opponents, and Edwards herself, generating significant attention online.

For Talarico, the episode adds another public moment to a campaign in which cultural and social issues have become subjects of political debate. For Edwards, it provided an opportunity to publicly acknowledge a Texas politician’s appreciation for her work and to promote a message of respect and kindness. (LGBTQ Nation)