Willie Nelson Backs James Talarico in the Texas Senate Race

Texas music icon Willie Nelson has endorsed Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico, urging Texans to vote for the state representative in November, adding the country music singer to the Democrat's growing list of high-profile supporters.

In a video endorsement, Nelson said he has gotten to know Talarico and encouraged Texans to support his campaign.

"I've gotten to know James Talarico. He's a good man who will be a good senator for the state of Texas. Please vote for James Talarico," said Nelson.

BREAKING: @WillieNelson endorses James Talarico:

“I've gotten to know James Talarico. He's a good man, who will be a good senator for the state of Texas. Please vote for James Talarico.“ https://t.co/FD2nYpVrSU

— Team Talarico (@TeamTalaricoHQ) October 8, 2026

The endorsement comes as Talarico campaigns against Republican Ken Paxton for the Senate seat in the November 3 general election.

Talarico, a state representative, appeared alongside Nelson at the singer's annual Fourth of July Picnic in Austin earlier this year. Nelson has also recently endorsed other Democratic candidates, including gubernatorial candidate Gina Hinojosa and lieutenant governor candidate Vikki Goodwin.

The endorsement adds another prominent name from Texas' entertainment world to Talarico's campaign. The Chicks have also publicly endorsed Talarico, while science educator Bill Nye has appeared in a campaign video supporting his Senate Bid.

The Texas Senate race remains one of the most closely watched contests of the 2026 midterm elections, with Talarico and Paxton competing for the seat in November.