Brief
Texas Senate candidate James Talarico appears with the Chicks and Kacey Musgraves
Talarico’s recent country‑music appearances come as he leads narrowly over Attorney General Ken Paxton in a tight Senate race.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Democratic Texas Senate candidate James Talarico performed onstage with the Chicks at their San Antonio concert on Oct. 17, after previously attending Kacey Musgraves’ Dallas show and backstage at Willie Nelson’s 4th‑of‑July Picnic, Rolling Stone reported.
What happened
On Oct. 17, Talarico joined the Chicks onstage in San Antonio, acknowledging his former career as a sixth‑grade teacher and expressing long‑standing admiration for the trio. Earlier in the month he was seen in the audience at Musgraves’ Dallas concert, and he spent time backstage at Willie Nelson’s annual Independence Day picnic, where Nelson reportedly gave him an endorsement.
What the reports add
Rolling Stone notes that all three artists— the Chicks, Musgraves and Nelson—are Texas natives, a fact that aligns with Talarico’s campaign narrative in a race where he holds a "very slight lead" over Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton. The outlet also connects Talarico’s onstage praise of the Chicks to their 2003 London controversy, highlighting the group’s history of political activism.
What was said
During the San Antonio performance, Talarico told the crowd, "I have loved the Chicks for as long as I can remember… Their music, their songwriting, their harmonies. But also what they represent… First and foremost, Texas excellence. We are so proud that the Chicks are from Texas… They are the best of country music. They are the best of Texas. They are the best of us." Rolling Stone attributes the quote directly to Talarico.
How it came about
Talarico’s appearances follow a series of high‑profile endorsements and attacks. Earlier this week former President Donald Trump labeled him "missing in action" after a flu diagnosis, while former Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem posted a sarcastic comment about Musgraves’ concert appearance. The candidate’s campaign has used the country‑music connections to bolster his Texas credibility amid a closely watched Senate contest.
Key facts
- James Talarico performed with the Chicks in San Antonio on Oct. 17 (rollingstone.com)
- He previously attended Kacey Musgraves' Dallas concert earlier in October (rollingstone.com)
- Willie Nelson gave Talarico an endorsement at his 4th‑of‑July Picnic (rollingstone.com)
- Talarico leads slightly over Ken Paxton in the Texas Senate race (rollingstone.com)
Sources
- [1] rollingstone.com — originally reported as “The Hottest Special Guest in Country Music Right Now? James Talarico”
