Texas State Representative James Talarico’s U.S. Senate campaign reported raising $2.5 million in the days following a controversy involving a scheduled interview on CBS’s “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” according to a campaign statement and reports from multiple news outlets.
The interview, intended to promote Talarico’s challenge to incumbent Republican Senator Ted Cruz, was cancelled by CBS shortly before it was to air, coinciding with the start of early voting in Texas. Stephen Colbert publicly criticized the decision, stating that CBS lawyers were responsible for pulling the segment, as reported by the Texas Tribune and ABC7 Chicago. Colbert indicated the lawyers acted as early voting began in the state.
The cancellation sparked immediate backlash, with Talarico’s campaign framing it as censorship. The Fresh York Post reported that the controversy appeared to galvanize support for the Democratic candidate, resulting in the significant fundraising surge. Houston Public Media also reported on the $2.5 million fundraising total.
While CBS has not publicly commented on the specific reasons for cancelling the interview beyond the involvement of its legal team, the timing raised questions about potential concerns regarding the content of the discussion. The nature of those concerns remains undisclosed.
Talarico is running as a Democrat in a state historically dominated by Republican voters. The race is considered a long shot, but the unexpected financial boost could provide resources for increased advertising and outreach efforts during the remaining weeks of the campaign. As of February 19, 2026, CBS has not reinstated the interview or offered a detailed explanation for its initial cancellation.
