Willie Nelson Backs James Talarico for Texas Senate as Yo La Tengo Plan Benefit
Willie Nelson has endorsed James Talarico for the United States Senate in Texas.
Talarico is a Texas state representative running as a Democrat, Pitchfork reported on 9 October. Nelson makes his backing clear in an online campaign video urging voters to choose Talarico for senator.
“He’s a good man, who will be a good senator for the state of Texas,” Nelson says in the video, as quoted by Rolling Stone. The video was provided exclusively to the Houston Chronicle.
Talarico describes himself as an eighth-generation Texan, a former middle school teacher and a Presbyterian seminarian, according to his campaign site. He is running against Ken Paxton in the Texas Senate race.
The endorsement is not only a video. Indie rock band Yo La Tengo has also endorsed Talarico and will play a benefit concert for his campaign in Austin on 27 October.
The show will be held at The Long Time in Austin, Texas, Stereogum reported. Admission is a $100 donation to Talarico’s Senate campaign. Attendance will be capped at 500 people.
Nelson is not alone on the music side. Don Henley and The Chicks have also endorsed Talarico.
What makes this stand out is the range. A Texas country veteran, a New Jersey indie band, a rock singer and a country vocal group are now listed on the same campaign roster. For voters in Austin, it also means a small-room show with a direct campaign link.
