By The American Tribune | Created at 2026-10-08 21:36:10 | Updated at 2026-10-08 22:28:28
1 hour ago
Country music legend Willie Nelson has thrown his support behind Democrat James Talarico in Texas’ closely watched U.S. Senate race. The 93-year-old singer urged Texans to vote for Talarico in a newly released endorsement video. Talarico is facing Republican Ken Paxton as Democrats seek to capture a Senate seat in a state long dominated by the GOP. The endorsement emerged Thursday, October 8th, ahead of the November 3rd election.
The announcement came through a short video provided to the Houston Chronicle, with Nelson seated in a kitchen wearing his trademark red bandana. Talarico had already appeared onstage with the singer at his annual Fourth of July Picnic in Austin earlier this summer. The campaign also shared the endorsement through its Team Talarico social media accounts.
Nelson addressed the camera directly rather than delivering the endorsement from a concert stage. He introduced himself at the beginning of the recording and closed by encouraging viewers to cast their ballots for Talarico. “I’ve gotten to know James Talarico. He’s a good man and will be a good senator for the state of Texas,” Nelson said.
As Trending Politics reported, Nelson has also recorded videos backing two other Democrats seeking statewide office in Texas. Those endorsements went to gubernatorial candidate Gina Hinojosa and lieutenant governor candidate Vikki Goodwin. His political activity stretches back decades, including appearances for candidates and a performance on the White House’s South Lawn for President Jimmy Carter in 1980.
Other Texas musicians have joined the effort to promote Democratic candidates this election cycle. The Chicks (formerly The Dixie Chicks) showed their support for Talarico in an Instagram post featuring “I’m a Talafreako” T-shirts. Eagles co-founder Don Henley has backed Lone Star Rising, a super PAC supporting Talarico’s Senate bid. Henley has also been a major financial supporter of Democrats running for other statewide positions.
Nelson’s latest endorsement accompanies the launch of Rural Texans for Talarico, a campaign initiative addressing issues in communities outside the state’s major cities. Its priorities include internet access and recruiting and retaining health care workers. The initiative also focuses on data centers and their impact on rural communities across Texas.
Watch Nelson endorse Talarico here:
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Nelson previously backed another Democrat seeking a Texas Senate seat when Beto O’Rourke challenged Republican Sen. Ted Cruz in 2018. O’Rourke joined him at that year’s Fourth of July Picnic, playing guitar during the closing portion of Nelson’s set. Nelson subsequently headlined a free campaign rally for O’Rourke in Austin on September 29th at Auditorium Shores. In the statement announcing his appearance, Nelson said he and his wife, Annie, had met the candidate and shared concerns about the country’s direction. “Beto embodies what is special about Texas, an energy and an integrity that is completely genuine,” Nelson said.
During a September 2018 interview on Nelson’s tour bus, Stephen Colbert asked about the O’Rourke concert and complaints from people threatening to boycott the singer. Nelson cited previous performances for Dennis Kucinich, Ross Perot and Tex Ritter when discussing his history of supporting candidates. Asked about boycott threats, Nelson said, “It’s their prerogative.” He added, “I may not like their music either, you know, so I don’t hold any grudges against people.”
Nelson’s endorsement drew criticism on X. A commenter wrote, “Sorry, I wouldn’t take political advise from a 93 year old stoner.” Another commenter wrote, “Willie Nelson has always been a left-wing liberal masquerading as a Texas country superstar. When he’s really just a Robert de. Niro, left-wing loon.” Another said, “His first sentence, ‘he’s a good man’ says everything about Willie’s level of stupidity.”
Featured image credit: screengrab from the embedded video.
