Opponents Tried to Spin an Escort Scandal—Talarico Shut It Down Immediately

James Talarico, Democratic Texas state representative and U.S. Senate candidate, has drawn attention after an Axios review found that he follows several adult film performers, escorts, and OnlyFans models on Instagram. 

Talarico, 36, has prominently highlighted his Christian faith as a foundation for his political work, aiming to appeal to voters who may feel disconnected from the Democratic Party.

According to Axios, Talarico follows roughly 3,700 accounts out of his 1.7 million Instagram followers. Among them are at least 10 accounts belonging to women active on adult entertainment platforms. While some of these accounts link to OnlyFans or escort sites, the content Talarico has engaged with on Instagram did not include nudity.

In response, Talarico’s spokesperson JT Ennis told Axios that “the social media team — including James — follows back and engages with supporters who have large followings and does not investigate their backgrounds.” 

Ennis added that Talarico “has never subscribed to OnlyFans or an escort service” and that he “does not judge [these women] for it and will not play into an effort to smear them for clickbait articles. That’s exactly what his Christian faith calls him to do.”

Talarico himself addressed the report in a conversation with Pod Save America’s Jon Favreau, emphasizing inclusivity and the practical aspects of social media. 

“I didn’t know what these women did on their own time, but I am not going to judge them for it,” Talarico said. He also framed following these accounts as part of modern campaign strategy: “It’s how new media works… We follow back all kinds of people who help get the message out.”

Talarico, a former seminarian, has gained national attention for integrating his faith into politics. 

His Senate campaign, launched in September, has emphasized addressing economic inequality and aligning political decisions with biblical values. He is currently competing in the Democratic primary against former U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, with the winner expected to challenge Republican Senator John Cornyn in the general election.