Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico instantly named Alyssa Edwards as his favorite drag queen in Texas when asked at a campaign event, according to video of the exchange. The performer, whose legal name is Justin Dwayne Lee Johnson, has publicly described himself as «a drag performer that works with children» and has been an outspoken advocate for youth drag shows.
The video shows a man approaching Talarico for a photo and telling him, «Mr. Talarico, so nice to meet you... I was there when you defended the drags.» The man then asks, «Who’s your favorite drag queen in Texas?» Talarico responds without pause: «Oh, my gosh. Probably Alyssa Edwards.»
The exchange comes after the Washington Free Beacon reported on a 2021 event Talarico headlined called «Taylor PRIDE» in Taylor, Texas, where an 11-year-old boy performed in drag under the name Kween Kee Kee. Talarico’s past comments on sexuality and gender issues have become a line of attack in the Senate race, including his remark that «God is nonbinary» and his 2023 praise for Texas having «some of the best drag queens in the nation.»
Johnson’s work with young dancers was featured in the 2018 Netflix docuseries «Dancing Queen.» The Dallas Observer reported that Johnson called one 10-year-old male student his «mini-me,» and that the child dressed as Alyssa Edwards during an episode of the series. In an interview with Out magazine, Johnson said, «I remember being at World Pride in New York a few years back and sharing the stage with my dance students, one of the most powerful moments of my life.»
When asked about the encounter, a spokesperson for Talarico instead appeared to turn the criticism toward the Republican opponent. «James’ favorite performer is Ken Paxton — who dresses up as attorney general while giving sweetheart deals to child sex predators,» Talarico campaign spokesperson JT Ennis told Fox News Digital. Fox News Digital also reached out to Johnson’s representation for comment.
Asked separately by Fox News last week about his controversial comments on gender and related issues, Talarico said he «missed the mark on some of my past statements.» He said then that he no longer believes there are six sexes, and that people are bringing up that kind of commentary because they do not want to talk about «six dollar diesel» with Republicans in the majority.
The Senate race in Texas is expected to be closely watched, with Talarico’s record on social issues likely to remain a central theme. The video of the exchange quickly circulated among political observers, highlighting how cultural debates over drag performances and gender identity continue to shape campaign messaging. Talarico’s campaign has not elaborated further on his choice of Edwards as his favorite drag queen.