Stephen Colbert says CBS lawyers pulled James Talarico interview as early voting begins in Texas

Late-night host says network feared interview would violate equal-time rules for political candidates

Published on Feb. 20, 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. Colbert nevertheless interviewed Talarico for nearly 15 minutes and posted the video on YouTube, because online material does not fall under the equal-time rule.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges media organizations face in navigating changing broadcast guidance on how they interview political candidates, especially as high-profile Senate races ramp up in Texas ahead of early voting.

The details

Colbert said CBS lawyers told him 'in no uncertain terms' that Talarico could not appear on 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' broadcast because the network feared violating guidance from the Trump administration. CBS disputed Colbert's account, saying its attorneys only 'provided legal guidance' that broadcasting an interview with Talarico could trigger the Federal Communications Commission's equal-time rule.

  • Early voting for Texas primaries began on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.
  • Colbert's interview with Talarico was pulled from the Monday, February 17, 2026 broadcast of 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert'.

The players

Stephen Colbert

The host of 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert', a late-night talk show on CBS.

James Talarico

A Democratic candidate for the Texas Senate.

Jasmine Crockett

A U.S. Representative running against Talarico in the Democratic primary for the Texas Senate.

John Cornyn

A four-term Republican U.S. Senator from Texas who is facing a primary challenge.

Ken Paxton

The Texas Attorney General who is challenging Cornyn in the Republican primary for the U.S. Senate.

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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 Texas Senate candidate (X)

“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, U.S. Representative running in the Democratic primary for the Texas Senate (Associated Press)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges media organizations face in navigating changing broadcast guidance on how they interview political candidates, especially as high-profile Senate races ramp up in Texas ahead of early voting.