Talarico Rallies in Austin as Early Voting Opens After Colbert Interview Controversy

State Rep. James Talarico, running for U.S. Senate, spoke to supporters as early voting began in Texas following an issue with his interview on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert".

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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State Rep. James Talarico, who is running for U.S. Senate, spoke to supporters in Austin on Tuesday night as early voting began in Texas. This came after controversy over an interview Talarico did with "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" that CBS decided not to air on television, citing concerns over the FCC's equal-time rule for political candidates.

Why it matters

The decision by CBS not to air Talarico's interview on "The Late Show" has raised concerns about the impact of the FCC's equal-time rule on political candidates' ability to appear on entertainment programs during election seasons. This could pressure networks to limit such appearances, potentially impacting candidates' ability to reach voters.

The details

CBS said it received legal guidance that airing Talarico's interview could trigger the FCC's equal-time rule, which requires networks to offer equal time to all candidates. The network said this applied to daytime and late-night talk shows, which were previously exempt. Talarico described the situation as "the most dangerous kind of cancel culture." Rep. Jasmine Crockett, another Democratic primary candidate, said she understood CBS offered options to air Talarico while maintaining equal-time compliance, but "someone somewhere decided we just don't want to do that."

  • Early voting in Texas began on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.
  • Talarico's interview with "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" was set to air just before the start of early voting.

The players

James Talarico

A state representative in Texas who is running for U.S. Senate in the Democratic primary.

Stephen Colbert

The host of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" on CBS.

Jasmine Crockett

A U.S. Representative in Texas who is also running in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate.

CBS

The television network that airs "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" and made the decision not to air Talarico's interview.

FCC

The Federal Communications Commission, which enforces the equal-time rule for political candidates on television.

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What they’re saying

“You all may have seen that they've launched a probe into The View after I went on that show. So it's the second time we've been targeted by the FCC.”

— James Talarico, State Representative (cbsaustin.com)

“The legal department of CBS decided they just didn't want to risk having a candidate the current administration may not view as favorable.”

— Russ Horton, Lawyer (cbsaustin.com)

“There may have been advice to just have me on, and then they could clear the issue. It was my understanding that someone somewhere decided we just don't want to do that.”

— Jasmine Crockett, U.S. Representative (cbsaustin.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.