James Talarico Raises $2.5 Million in 24 Hours After Colbert Interview Scandal

Rep. Brandon Gill (R-Texas) has identified James Talarico, a Democratic candidate for Texas Senate, as the primary beneficiary of recent controversy involving his interview with Stephen Colbert.

Colbert’s network reportedly instructed him not to air an interview with Talarico, though “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” was not prohibited but warned it might violate Federal Communications Commission equal-time regulations.

Gill described the situation as a “massive fundraising stunt,” explaining that Democrats sought equal time for Talarico’s primary opponent, Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas), rather than interviews with Republican Senate candidates. “Talarico was able to make a big stink out of this with Colbert’s help and raise $2.5 million within 24 hours of this pseudo scandal,” Gill stated.

Gill further noted that Talarico, who has been propped up by the Democratic establishment, is described as “very articulate but not very appealing to most Americans.” He added, “This is a guy who has comments on the record referring to God as non-binary… Whether it’s Talarico or Jasmine Crockett, whoever wins the Democrat primary, Republicans are going to win in November.”