'The Chosen' actor backs Talarico in Texas Senate race
Actor Jordan Walker Ross, known for 'The Chosen,' endorsed Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico. Ross helped launch a coalition aimed at religious voters, saying Talarico's life reflects Christian values. A spokesperson for Republican candidate Ken Paxton criticized Talarico, and a GOP state lawmaker objected to film incentives tied to actors backing Democrats.
Ross, who plays Little James in "The Chosen," appeared in a campaign video to support "Faithful Texans for Talarico," a religious-voter outreach effort. He said Talarico's conduct, rather than rhetoric, demonstrates care for neighbors, the needy, the sick, and immigrants.
Paxton's campaign rejected that portrayal, saying Talarico uses faith to defend progressive stances. State Rep. Brian Harrison objected to Texas film incentives, noting Texas Film Commission records show The Chosen's Texas entity received about $862,527 in 2022 and $1.995 million in 2025, before SB 22 took effect. Ross defended the program and actors' political speech.
Celebrity endorsements from faith-oriented media could help Talarico reach religious voters, while Paxton's response may mobilize opponents. The film-incentive dispute may draw attention to actors, production workers, and Texas lawmakers weighing public support for entertainment. This exchange could intensify debates over religion in politics and taxpayer-funded media incentives, though its actual electoral impact remains uncertain.