CBS Pulls Colbert Interview With Texas Senate Candidate Ahead of Early Voting

Network cites equal-time rule as reason for canceling interview with Democratic contender James Talarico

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Late-night host Stephen Colbert said his interview with Democratic Texas Senate candidate James Talarico was pulled from Monday night's broadcast over network fears it would violate regulatory guidance from the Trump administration on giving equal time to political candidates. CBS disputed Colbert's account, saying the show was provided legal guidance that the broadcast could trigger the FCC equal-time rule.

Why it matters

The issue highlights the challenges media outlets face in navigating changing broadcast guidance on how they interview political candidates, especially ahead of hotly contested primary elections in Texas. The equal-time rule has traditionally not applied to talk shows, but the FCC recently issued new guidance warning late-night and daytime hosts that they need to give political candidates equal time.

The details

Talarico is in a spirited contest for the Democratic nomination, with his main opponent being U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett. On the Republican side, four-term incumbent Sen. John Cornyn is facing challenges from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt. Paxton stepped up his campaign with a Monday night rally in Tyler, Texas.

  • Early voting in Texas' primary elections opened on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.
  • Colbert's interview with Talarico was scheduled to air on Monday, February 17, 2026.

The players

Stephen Colbert

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

James Talarico

A Democratic candidate for the Texas Senate seat.

Jasmine Crockett

Talarico's main opponent in the Democratic primary race for the Texas Senate seat.

John Cornyn

The four-term incumbent Republican senator from Texas.

Ken Paxton

The Texas Attorney General and a Republican candidate challenging Cornyn for the Senate seat.

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What they’re saying

“I think Donald Trump is worried we're about to flip Texas. This is the most dangerous kind of cancel culture, the kind that comes from the top.”

— James Talarico, Democratic candidate for Texas Senate (X)

What’s next

The FCC did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment on the equal-time rule and its application to late-night talk shows. Talarico plans to hold a rally in Austin on Tuesday evening.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between media outlets, political candidates, and regulators over the rules governing political coverage, especially as the media landscape continues to evolve and the FCC seeks to apply equal-time requirements more broadly.