James Talarico Names Alyssa Edwards As Favorite Drag Queen

The Video That Changed the Race

A man asked James Talarico for his favorite Texas drag queen at a campaign event. Talarico answered within a second without any hesitation. He said, “Oh my gosh, probably Alyssa Edwards,” with a smile. This moment is now the center of a heated Senate race. The clip went viral after the Republican National Committee shared it on social media. Talarico picked a performer who explicitly describes himself as working with children.

According to the Daily Wire, Edwards is the stage name of Justin Dwayne Lee Johnson. He owns a dance studio in Texas that trains young children. Johnson starred in a Netflix reality series called “Dancing Queen.” The show documented his close mentorship with young dancers. Talarico has long praised these performers and defended their right to perform. At one point, he claimed that Texas generates “some of the best drag queens in the nation” This new video puts that support under a harsh spotlight.

What The Performer Says About Kids

Johnson has been open about his love for teaching children. In a 2023 interview with Out, he called himself “a drag performer that works with children.” He blushed while talking about sharing the stage with minors. He stated, “I’ve incorporated my students in a lot of my work, and I’m very proud of that” He recalled a powerful moment at World Pride in New York. He shared the stage with his dance students during that event. This is not a secret part of his career. He has bragged about helping drag become mainstream for kids.

The Daily Wire reviewed clips from the Netflix series. Johnson is shown in these images grooming a young boy to become a child drag queen. He referred to the minor as his “mini-me.” He said, “JJ’s got it all. I am so eager to witness what his future holds for him. He added that he could never have been that at 9 years old. Critics argue this behavior crosses a clear line. The New York Post reported that Republicans are piling on Talarico for this choice. They say he wants to “drag down Texas with these views.

Washington Reacts to the Shoutout

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller did not hold back. He used a nickname President Trump has deployed to disparage Talarico. Miller wrote on X that “Talafreako is a deeply sick and disturbed individual.” Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is Talarico’s opponent in the Senate race. Paxton argued the candidate’s quick response shows he is “too weird and too radical for Texas.”What normal person can name their favorite drag queen this quickly He inquired. Vice President JD Vance also weighed in on the situation. He shared a meme of his own side-eye glance from a debate. The exchange has drawn White House attention to faith and gender issues.

Edwards thanked Talarico for the shoutout on his own social media. He posted, “Your favorite politician’s favorite Drag Queen.Talarico received thanks from him for acknowledging that the arts have a purpose. He cited Matthew 7:1 and called himself a “Proud Texan.” Rep. Brandon Gill called the situation completely bizarre on X. He argued it is strange for any man to name a favorite drag queen instantly. Talarico’s campaign has not yet responded to requests for comment. The race in Texas is now defined by this single awkward exchange. Voters will decide if this support for child-focused drag is acceptable. The question remains: should a Senate candidate champion a performer who trains children in drag?