Willie Nelson endorses James Talarico for Texas U.S. Senate seat

Country music legend Willie Nelson endorsed Democrat James Talarico for the U.S. Senate seat in Texas on Sept. 10, 2026.

The endorsement adds a high‑profile cultural figure to a closely watched Senate race that pits Talarico against Republican opponents in a state where statewide contests are often competitive.

James Talarico, a state representative from the 50th District, is campaigning on a platform that includes legalizing marijuana for adults, releasing individuals serving time solely for drug offenses, and tightening restrictions on the placement of data‑center facilities. He has also criticized Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton for accepting donations from data‑center operators.

Willie Nelson’s support is consistent with his decades‑long history of backing Democratic candidates. He endorsed Beto O’Rourke in the 2018 midterms, appeared at a Beto rally, headlined a Joe Biden fundraiser in 2020, and has previously supported Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. Nelson has long advocated for open‑border policies and marijuana legalization.

Nelson delivered the endorsement through a video provided to the Houston Chronicle, stating that Talarico is “a good man, who will be a good senator for the state of Texas.” The video was recorded after Nelson appeared on stage with Talarico at the singer’s Fourth of July Picnic in Austin.

Nelson’s personal background includes a 1990s dispute with the IRS over $16.7 million in unpaid taxes, which was eventually settled for $9 million. Despite that episode, he continues to be active in political fundraising and advocacy, often focusing on issues such as drug policy reform and environmental concerns related to data‑center development.

With less than a month left before the general election, Talarico’s campaign is likely to feature the endorsement prominently in outreach efforts and advertising, hoping to attract voters who identify with Nelson’s cultural legacy and policy positions.

The race remains tight, and the addition of Nelson’s endorsement underscores the intense national attention on Texas’s upcoming Senate contest.