Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico has seen a surge in campaign donations and public attention after Stephen Colbert claimed CBS lawyers blocked his scheduled appearance on The Late Show. The taped interview, posted on YouTube by Colbert's programme, had garnered 5.2 million views by Wednesday morning.
Talarico's campaign announced it had raised $2.5 million in the 24 hours following the controversy. “This is a campaign of, by, and for the people — so I'm proud that neighbours from all across our state and country stood together to defend free speech,” Talarico said in a statement. He called the network's decision “the most dangerous kind of cancel culture” and a threat to First Amendment rights.
The state legislator from Austin is competing for the Democratic nomination against two-term congresswoman Jasmine Crockett. The primary is taking place against the backdrop of a bitter Republican contest between incumbent Senator John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton, with polls closing on 3 March. A runoff, if needed, would be held on 26 May.
Democrats are hoping to flip the seat, which has been held by the GOP since 1988. However, the Democratic primary has turned acrimonious, with Crockett accusing Talarico's super PACs of running ads that darkened her skin and using racist undertones. Earlier this month, former congressman Colin Allred endorsed Crockett after a TikTok rumour about Talarico's remarks.
Colbert, undeterred by the dispute with CBS, is set to feature Senator Jon Ossoff on Wednesday evening.
