James Talarico did not hesitate when asked a simple question at a campaign event. A man on the video asked him to name his favorite Texas drag queen. Talarico smiled and answered with zero delay. “Oh my gosh, probably Alyssa Edwards,” he said. This exchange is not just a gaffe. It reveals a deep support for a specific type of entertainment that many parents find troubling. The video of this moment went viral on social media immediately. It shows a candidate who knows exactly who he supports in this culture war.
🚨 WATCH
James Talarico says his “favorite drag queen” is Alyssa Edwards — who has described himself as “a drag performer that works with children.” pic.twitter.com/u5HNKh4CQt
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) September 14, 2026
The Daily Wire reports that this Edwards is a performer who built a career around young children. He owns a dance studio where he trains minors. His stage name is Alyssa Edwards, but his real name is Justin Dwayne Lee Johnson. He starred in a Netflix reality show called *Dancing Queen*. Clips from that show reviewed by the outlet show him grooming a young boy. He referred to the child as his “mini-me.” This is the person Talarico chose to praise without thinking twice.
Republicans in Texas are using this clip to question Talarico’s judgment. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is running against him, called the candidate “too weird and too radical for Texas.” Paxton asked a simple question on Twitter. How could any typical individual identify their preferred drag performer so rapidly? The National Republican Senatorial Committee posted that Talarico wants to drag down Texas. They included a past quote where Talarico claimed the state produces the best drag queens. Vice President JD Vance even shared a meme of his own side-eye glance from a debate to mock the moment.
It’s completely bizarre for any ‘man’ to be able to instantly name their “favorite drag queen” let alone the name of any drag queen at all. https://t.co/x9pBiBpo0i
— Brandon Gill (@realBrandonGill) September 15, 2026
White House officials have also weighed in on this story. Stephen Miller, the White House Deputy Chief of Staff, used a harsh nickname for the candidate. “Talafreako is a deeply sick and disturbed individual,” Miller wrote on X. This reaction shows that the issue has moved beyond local politics. It is now a national talking point for the Trump administration. The New York Post notes that Rep. Brandon Gill also called the instant naming of a drag queen bizarre. He argued that a normal man would not know these names so fast.
The performer Talarico loves has been very open about his work with minors. In a 2023 interview, he described himself as “a drag performer that works with children.” He said he was very proud to incorporate his students into his work. He recalled sharing the stage with dance students at World Pride in New York. He called it one of the most powerful moments of his life. He also bragged that drag shows are now mainstream. He said they are no longer hidden underground at midnight. Instead, they happen when families are going to church on Sunday.
Your favorite politician’s favorite Drag Queen.
Thank you @jamestalarico for recognizing that the arts have a purpose and a home right here in the Lone Star State.
Matthew 7:1 #ProudTexan https://t.co/Dv1jjsR3cF— Alyssa Edwards (@AlyssaEdwards_1) September 15, 2026
Edwards thanked Talarico for the shoutout on social media. He stated that the arts possess both a purpose and a place within Texas. He signed his post with a Bible verse and the label #ProudTexan. The Daily Wire notes that Johnson has deep ties to the Rose Room in Dallas. This is the venue where he first performed and later returned with his young students. Talarico’s campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The facts remain clear on the record. Talarico supports a man who trains children in drag and calls them his mini-me. Parents need to know exactly who their leaders are cheering for.
