Alyssa Edwards, whose TV and online clips Ken Paxton used in an ad calling her “sick and twisted” while attacking Senate rival James Talarico, responded in an open letter, saying Texas is big enough for all and urging the attorney general to focus on policy and leadership.
Paxton posted the ad after Talarico named Edwards his favorite drag queen in an interview. It used clips from her TV appearances and YouTube channel, including her work with children; Paxton’s caption called her a “sick and twisted” drag queen, and the ad ended with “James Talarico: Too Weird, Too Radical for Texas.” Edwards’ publicist called her use as “political ammunition” and described Paxton’s interest as “desperate.”
A new Marist poll cited in the article showed Talarico leading Paxton 50% to 44% among registered voters, with 55% support among independents. A separate private poll obtained by Harvey Kronberg’s Quorum Report gave Talarico an 11-point lead and 52% vote share.
