Colbert Says CBS Lawyers Pulled Texas Senate Candidate Interview

Late-night host claims network feared violating Trump-era equal time rules as early voting begins in Texas primaries

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

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. Colbert nevertheless posted the interview on YouTube, as online content is not subject to the equal-time rule.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between media outlets and political campaigns over broadcast regulations, especially in the context of changing FCC guidance under the Trump administration. It also comes as early voting begins in Texas primaries featuring heated Democratic and Republican Senate races.

The details

Colbert said CBS lawyers told him 'in no uncertain terms' that Talarico could not appear on 'The Late Show' because the network feared violating the equal-time rule. CBS disputed Colbert's account, saying its attorneys only provided legal guidance that the interview could trigger the equal-time requirement. Both Talarico and his Democratic primary opponent Jasmine Crockett have built national profiles through viral social media clips, as media organizations have navigated changing broadcast rules.

  • Early voting for Texas primaries began on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.
  • Colbert's interview with Talarico was scheduled to air on the Monday, February 17, 2026 episode of 'The Late Show'.

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

A Democratic candidate for the Texas Senate seat and Talarico's primary opponent.

John Cornyn

The incumbent Republican Texas Senator who is facing a primary challenge.

Ken Paxton

The Texas Attorney General who is also running for the Republican Senate nomination.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Then I was told, in some uncertain terms, that not only could I not have him on. I could not mention me not having him on.”

— Stephen Colbert, Host, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (The Late Show with Stephen Colbert)

“The administration was playing politics and was trying to control what a late-night show puts on air, something that's never been done before.”

— James Talarico, Democratic Senate Candidate (The Late Show with Stephen Colbert)

“I've done Colbert a number of times. I've done 'The View' a number of times. I've done (Jimmy) Kimmel a number (of times). I've done all of these shows a number of times.”

— Jasmine Crockett, Democratic Senate Candidate (theday.com)

What’s next

The FCC has not yet responded to requests for comment on the equal-time rule issues raised by Colbert's interview. The outcome of the Texas Senate primaries on March 3 will also be closely watched, as Talarico and Crockett vie to avoid a runoff.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing tensions between media outlets, political campaigns, and evolving broadcast regulations, especially in the context of the Trump administration's approach to media oversight. It also highlights the challenges facing candidates like Talarico and Crockett as they navigate changing media landscapes to reach voters.