Texas actor Jordan Walker Ross, known for playing the apostle Little James on the faith‑focused series The Chosen, announced his endorsement of Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico on Thursday. The endorsement was part of a new outreach effort called “Faithful Texans for Talarico,” aimed at rallying religious voters ahead of the November election.
Ross praises Talarico’s Christian character
In a campaign video, Ross said, “A lot of politicians talk about Christian values, but you don’t see that reflected in their legislation or the way they live. You do see that in the way James lives. He loves his neighbor; he cares for the needy, the sick, the immigrant.”
Republican backlash focuses on film subsidies
Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton’s campaign quickly condemned the endorsement, accusing Talarico of using his faith to push progressive policies. State Rep. Brian Harrison also criticized the move on X, arguing that taxpayer money is being used to help elect Democrats.
Harrison highlighted Texas Senate Bill 22, which expanded the state’s film incentive program. Records from the Texas Film Commission show that The Chosen Texas LLC received about $862,527 for its second season in 2022 and $1.995 million for its fourth season in March 2025, totaling nearly $2.86 million—payments that preceded the bill’s September 2025 effective date.
Calling the incentive program a “socialist scheme” that hands billions of tax dollars to “rich, woke, Hollywood leftists,” Harrison said he will introduce legislation next session to repeal the subsidies.
Ross defends the incentives and free speech
Ross responded that the growing film industry in Texas creates thousands of jobs for Texans across the political spectrum. He argued that suggesting actors lose opportunities because they support Democratic candidates is unconstitutional and contrary to the country’s right to free expression.
“I encourage my fellow actors and filmmakers—on the right and left—to voice their opinions,” Ross said.
Broader faith‑based political context
The endorsement comes as Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton announced a “Pastors for Paxton” coalition with 27 faith leaders. While Ross’s endorsement has drawn criticism from conservative commentators, he maintains that his role as an actor does not preclude him from sharing his personal convictions.
Fox News Digital reached out to Talarico and the Texas Film Commission for comment but did not receive an immediate response.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
