Days after being pulled into the closely watched Texas Senate race, a Texas drag queen finds herself at the center of a Republican digital ad — this time focused solely on her.
Justin Dwayne Lee Johnson, 46, better known as “RuPaul’s Drag Race” star Alyssa Edwards, has become the focus of a new digital ad from Republican Ken Paxton, who launched it against Democrat James Talarico.
Paxton took to social media on Sept. 14 and posted a video from RNC Research showing a man approaching Talarico at a campaign event to take a picture with him.
The man asked Talarico who his favorite drag queen in Texas was, to which Talarico replied that it was Edwards.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 09: Alyssa Edwards attends RuPaul’s Drag Race S18 Premiere Event at Aqua New York on December 09, 2025 in New York City.
Paxton took the social media attack against Talarico one step further this week, launching a digital ad on Sept. 22 titled “Meet Alyssa Edwards.”
The ad, as the campaign puts it, highlights some of Edwards’ “history of engaging in inappropriate behavior in front of children and indoctrinating them into his bizarre, twisted world of ‘drag queens.'”
“James Talarico’s twisted friends aren’t just too radical for Texas; they’re too dangerous to be allowed within 100 feet of a school,” said Paxton campaign spokeswoman Madison Cercy. “The excitement in James Talarico’s voice to exclaim that ‘Alyssa Edwards’ is his favorite drag queen is utterly disqualifying. James Talarico should immediately apologize to Texas families and condemn Justin Johnson for his extremely inappropriate conduct in front of our children.”
A day after the digital ad aired, Edwards responded on social media.
Alyssa Edwards responds to Ken Paxton’s digital ad
In an open letter to Paxton posted to X on Sept. 23, Edwards, from Mesquite, Texas, said she does not understand his motive or intent behind what she calls an attempt to disparage her name, character and reputation.
“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,” she wrote. “As a Texan and a very proud one at that, I would hope that your focus would remain on policy, leadership, and what you intend to provide for the future of ALL Texans.
She also took the opportunity to introduce herself as an educator with 30 years of experience, a choreographer, an entrepreneur, a mentor, and a drag performer.
Edwards has also appeared on “America’s Got Talent” alongside her students, competed on Amazon’s “The GOAT,” ABC’s “To Tell the Truth” and “RuPaul’s Drag Race Global All Stars,” where she won and represented the U.S.
“But among all of those accomplishments, one of the things I remain most proud of is Beyond Belief Dance Company,” she wrote.
What began as a community recreation program at a YMCA, Edwards said, has grown into a place where generations of young people have been encouraged to discover their creativity, ignite their passion, develop discipline, and believe in themselves.
Edwards also noted that she grew up in the Baptist church, and her Christian faith remains part of her story.
“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. “Ultimately, I am proud of who I am. I know who I am. I know what I stand for, and what I still hope to accomplish.”
She ended her letter by saying, “Texas is big enough for all of us.”
WATCH: Ken Paxton’s “Meet Alyssa Edwards” Texas Senate ad
Mateo Rosiles is the Texas Connect reporter for USA TODAY and its regional papers in Texas. Got a news tip for him? Email him at mrosiles@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: ‘Texas is big enough for all of us’: Alyssa Edwards answers Paxton ad
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