Alyssa Edwards hits back after ultraconservative Ken Paxton uses drag star in attack ad against Senate rival

RuPaul’s Drag Race star Alyssa Edwards has publicly rebuked Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton after he used the performer in a campaign advert attacking Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico. 

The row erupted after Talarico was asked in an interview to name his favourite drag queen and replied: “Probably Alyssa Edwards.” Since then, Paxton has repeatedly referenced the exchange on social media as he campaigns for the US Senate. 

This week, Paxton shared an advert featuring clips of Edwards from television appearances, social media content and her work as a dance instructor. The video labelled the drag performer as “sick and twisted” and concluded with the slogan: “James Talarico: Too Weird, Too Radical for Texas.” 

In response, Edwards, published an open letter questioning why she had become a target in the increasingly heated Senate race. “I’m not sure I fully understand your motive or intention in attempting to disparage my name, my character, or my reputation,” she wrote. “But I do know this: the way we choose to speak about others often says far more about our own character than it ever will about theirs.” 

The drag star, who was born and raised in Mesquite, Texas, used the letter to highlight her long career as an educator, choreographer and mentor. She said she had spent around 30 years teaching young people and building opportunities through her dance studio, Beyond Belief Dance Company. 

Edwards also stressed her Christian faith, noting that she grew up in the Baptist church and remains proud of both her beliefs and her work. “My life may look different from yours, but difference does not diminish character, faith, service, or a person’s ability to positively contribute to their community,” she wrote. “Texas is big enough for all of us.” 

The performer had previously responded warmly after being named by Talarico as his favourite drag queen. In a social media video, she thanked the Democrat for celebrating “a fellow Texan” and said the fact they lived very different lives was “exactly the point”. 

Edwards' publicist, Waylon Tate, also criticised Paxton’s tactics, accusing the Republican politician of using the drag star as “political ammunition” in a race in which she is not a candidate. Describing the strategy as “desperate”, he suggested Paxton had become unusually focused on Edwards. 

The controversy comes as recent polling suggests Talarico has opened up a lead over Paxton in the closely watched Senate contest. According to a new poll cited by US media, Talarico holds a six-point advantage among registered voters statewide. 

Paxton remains a divisive figure in Texas politics. He was impeached by the Texas House in 2023 over allegations of abuse of office before later being acquitted by the state Senate.