‘Drag Race’ Icon Alyssa Edwards Claps Back After Texas Politician Calls Her ‘Sick and Twisted’
“RuPaul’s Drag Race” icon Alyssa Edwards is firing back after Texas Attorney General and U.S. Senate candidate Ken Paxton called her a “sick and twisted drag queen” in a campaign video attacking his Democratic opponent, James Talarico.
Edwards, whose real name is Justin Johnson, responded Wednesday with an open letter after finding herself unexpectedly pulled into the Texas Senate race.
The controversy began after Talarico was asked during a campaign appearance to name his favorite Texas drag queen.
“Oh my gosh. Probably Alyssa Edwards,” Talarico responded.
Paxton subsequently highlighted the exchange as part of his campaign messaging against Talarico.
On Sept. 22, Paxton posted a video with a “VIEWER WARNING” that featured footage of Edwards from television appearances, performances and her work as a dance instructor.
“Meet Alyssa Edwards: James Talarico’s favorite sick and twisted drag queen,” Paxton wrote alongside the video.
The campaign video included footage of Edwards interacting with young dance students, whose faces were blurred, and concluded by describing Talarico as “Too Weird, Too Radical for Texas.”
Edwards has now addressed Paxton directly.
“I’m not sure I fully understand your motive or intention in attempting to disparage my name, my character, or my reputation,” Edwards wrote.
“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.”
Edwards also emphasized her long connection to Texas and her work outside of reality television and drag.
The performer, who was born and raised in Mesquite, Texas, described herself as one of seven children as well as an educator, choreographer, entrepreneur and mentor.
“And yes, I also happen to be a drag performer,” she wrote.
Edwards has spent decades working as a dance instructor and founded Beyond Belief Dance Company, which began as a community recreation program at a YMCA before developing into a competitive dance studio.
She said her work with young dancers remains one of her proudest accomplishments.
Edwards also addressed her Christian faith, explaining that she grew up in the Baptist church and that faith continues to be an important part of her life.
“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.
Edwards then delivered a message directly addressing the political debate surrounding her.
“Texas is big enough for all of us,” she declared.
The reality star also urged Paxton to concentrate on the issues affecting Texans rather than making her part of his campaign against Talarico.
Edwards’ publicist, Waylon Tate, had previously criticized the use of his client in campaign messaging, noting that Edwards herself is not running for political office.
Edwards became a breakout reality television personality after competing on Season 5 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” She later returned for “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 2” and eventually won “RuPaul’s Drag Race Global All Stars.”
She also starred in the 2018 Netflix docuseries “Dancing Queen,” which followed her life as a performer and the owner of her Texas dance studio.
Now, Edwards is making it clear that while she never asked to become part of a political campaign, she isn’t staying silent when her name, career and reputation are put at the center of one.
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