The Chicks Bring Talarico Onstage at San Antonio Concert

The Chicks brought Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico onstage during their San Antonio concert, where he praised the band as an example of “Texas excellence” and said people with a voice have a responsibility to use it. His remarks echoed the backlash after Natalie Maines criticized President George W. Bush in 2003; Maines recently contrasted Bush favorably with President Trump, drawing a sharp response from the White House. The appearance was part of Talarico’s outreach ahead of the Nov. 3 midterms as he challenges Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton for the seat held by John Cornyn. Talarico also launched a final-weeks campaign tour with a video featuring stars from “Friday Night Lights,” while Paxton scheduled an appearance with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. One report cited recent polls showing Talarico narrowly ahead, though Texas has not elected a Democrat to statewide office since 1994.