Country music legend Willie Nelson has officially jumped into one of the most closely watched Senate races in the country, endorsing Democrat James Talarico in Texas.
Nelson announced his support in a short video provided to the Houston Chronicle, appearing in his trademark red bandana as he urged Texans to back Talarico.
“Hi, this is Willie Nelson. I’ve gotten to know James Talarico. He’s a good man and will be a good senator for the state of Texas. Please vote — and vote for James Talarico,” he says.
The endorsement gives Talarico another high-profile celebrity backer as Democrats try to pull off a rare Senate victory in a state Republicans have dominated for years.
Nelson’s support is not entirely surprising politically.
The 93-year-old music icon has a long history of backing Democratic candidates and liberal causes, despite his deep roots in Texas country music culture.
Earlier this year, Talarico appeared onstage with Nelson during the singer’s annual Fourth of July Picnic in Austin.
Nelson has also recorded endorsement videos for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gina Hinojosa and lieutenant governor candidate Vikki Goodwin.
His latest endorsement comes as other Texas musicians line up behind Democratic candidates across the state.
The Chicks recently promoted James Talarico on social media while wearing “I’m a Talafreako” shirts.
Eagles co-founder Don Henley has also emerged as a major financial supporter of Democratic candidates in Texas and has backed Lone Star Rising, a super PAC supporting Talarico’s Senate campaign.
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The celebrity support comes as Talarico faces Republican Ken Paxton in a race that has drawn national attention and unexpectedly become competitive.
Republicans have traditionally treated Texas as a reliable Senate stronghold, but the race has tightened enough to trigger heavy spending and repeated campaign appearances from President Donald Trump on Paxton’s behalf.
Nelson’s endorsement is also being used to help launch Rural Texans for Talarico, a campaign initiative focused on rural policy issues.
The effort centers on expanding internet access, recruiting and retaining health care workers and addressing the impact of data centers on rural communities.
For Talarico, Nelson brings more than just celebrity name recognition.
He remains one of the most recognizable cultural figures in Texas, with a career stretching back decades and a fan base that reaches well beyond Democratic voters.
Whether that star power translates into votes remains to be seen, but Nelson has now made his choice in the race unmistakably clear.
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[ H/T Trending Politics ]
