Archive · 9 Nov 2025
Texas Senate Candidate Talarico Faces Backlash for Following Adult Performers on Instagram
A politician in Texas named James Talarico, who wants to be a US Senator, is in some trouble.
People noticed that his Instagram account follows some women who work as adult film stars or have accounts where people pay to see pictures.
James Talarico's campaign team says that he didn't mean to follow them and that his team manages his social media.
They also said he doesn't judge these women for what they do.
He explained that they follow many people who have lots of followers and that sometimes they don't check everyone's background.
The campaign says James Talarico is a religious person and doesn't want to be mean to anyone.
Some people are upset because his campaign talks a lot about Christian values, and they think following these accounts doesn't match that.
But his team says he is trying to be kind and not judge, which is also part of his faith.
He is running for the Senate to represent Texas.
Texas Democratic US Senate candidate James Talarico is facing criticism for following adult film performers, escorts, and OnlyFans models on Instagram.
Talarico's campaign attributes the activity to his social media team's unintentional practice of following supporters with large followings.
A spokesperson stated Talarico was unaware of how the women earned money and does not judge them, emphasizing his Christian faith calls for non-judgment.
The candidate's Senate campaign heavily incorporates Christian faith and social justice themes.
Talarico is considered a leading contender in the Texas Senate race, having received praise from figures like former President Barack Obama and podcaster Joe Rogan.
- Who
- James Talarico, a Texas Democratic US Senate candidate and state lawmaker
- What
- Facing backlash and scrutiny for following several adult film performers, escorts, and OnlyFans models on Instagram, with his campaign stating the activity was unintentional and managed by his social media team.
- When
- Recently, following a report by Axios.
- Where
- Texas, USA
- Why
- Talarico's campaign, which emphasizes his Christian faith, has drawn criticism for his social media activity, which is seen by some as inconsistent with his stated values.
Campaign's Explanation
Criticism
Reason for Following Accounts
Campaign's Explanation
The campaign states that the Instagram account is managed jointly by Talarico and his team, and they follow and engage with supporters who have large followings without investigating their backgrounds. The activity was unintentional.
Criticism
Critics are scrutinizing Talarico's decision to follow accounts belonging to adult film performers, escorts, and OnlyFans models, particularly given his campaign's emphasis on Christian faith and values.
Awareness and Engagement
Campaign's Explanation
Talarico's spokesperson clarified that Talarico was unaware of how these women make money, does not judge them for it, and will not participate in efforts to smear them. A screenshot shows a 'thank you' message after one account promoted his campaign.
Criticism
The report from Axios noted that Talarico had also 'liked' non-explicit photos from one OnlyFans model's account.
- Candidate
- James Talarico
- Party
- Democrat
- Office Sought
- US Senate (Texas)
- Age
- 36
- Background
- State lawmaker and seminary student
- Instagram Followers
- Over 1.7 million
- Instagram Accounts Followed
- Roughly 3,700