Actor Jordan Walker Ross endorses James Talarico, launches faith coalition for Texas Senate
Actor Jordan Walker Ross announced his support for Democrat James Talarico and introduced the Faithful Texans for Talarico coalition ahead of the Texas U.S. Senate race.
Jordan Walker Ross, known for his role as “Little James” on “The Chosen,” posted a Facebook video endorsing Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico and unveiling the Faithful Texans for Talarico coalition. Ross highlighted Talarico’s bipartisan efforts, care for the needy, and alignment with Christian principles, inviting supporters to a Zoom meeting on Oct. 19. The endorsement occurs in the contest against Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton, who has organized a “Pastors for Paxton” group.
Recent one outlet averages place Talarico a narrow lead over Paxton. Ross, who has previously defended LGBTQ rights and criticized the Texas film subsidy program SB 22, sparked a rebuttal from Republican Rep. Brian Harrison, who accused the subsidy of financing liberal actors. The episode underscores the role of faith rhetoric in a Senate race Texas has not won for a Democrat since 1988.
Why it matters
The endorsement shows how celebrity influence and faith appeals are shaping a tightly contested Texas Senate election.
How this story developed
- Oct 8 Democratic Senate hopeful James Talarico sidelined by flu as campaign heats up
- Oct 11 Paxton’s campaign began circulating missing‑person flyers depicting Talarico.
- Oct 12 Elon Musk has contributed an unprecedented $366 million to groups supporting GOP candidates ahead of the November 3 elections for the House and Senate.
- Oct 12 An audio recording alleging Talarico’s discharge from a mental‑health facility was released, prompting the Lindner Center’s denial.
- Oct 12 Specific contribution amounts to individual super PACs were disclosed.
- Oct 12 Democrat Mary Peltola is ahead of Republican Senator Dan Sullivan in recent Alaska polls, just days before Donald Trump is set to campaign for Sullivan.
- Oct 13 Texas polls show Democrat James Talarico ahead of Ken Paxton.
- Oct 14 Peltola disclosed a $17 million haul in third‑quarter contributions.
- Oct 15 JD Vance publicly backs Ken Paxton and attacks James Talarico's sex‑education stance.
- Oct 15 Democratic Senate hopeful James Talarico says his campaign raised $64 million in the third quarter, outpacing Republican Ken Paxton’s $18 million.
- Oct 16 Total spending on Republican‑aligned committees and organizations is reported at $366 million.
- Oct 17 Republican political action committees have spent over $200 million supporting GOP candidates in the race.
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