Kacey Musgraves Supports James Talarico in Texas Senate Race

Kacey Musgraves endorsed US Senate candidate James Talarico and responded to former Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem after Noem criticized the Texas Democrat on X. The exchange followed Talarico’s appearance at Musgraves’ Dallas concert during her Middle of Nowhere tour.

Musgraves addressed the dispute on X after Noem used a social media post about Talarico’s concert attendance to support Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton. Musgraves has previously shared political views during her performances and public appearances.

"I don't think you have a dog in this fight but if you did you would have shot it." said Kacey Musgraves.

Musgraves’ response referenced a controversy involving Noem’s 2024 book, No Going Back, in which Noem wrote that she shot and killed her family’s dog, Cricket, because of its aggressive personality.

At an Oct. 8 concert in Austin, Musgraves also discussed her willingness to express personal beliefs while performing. She said she wanted her actions to reflect what she believes and emphasized bringing people together.

"You may not agree with everything that I say, but what I do want to say is that everything that I do, stand up for, choose to put myself on the line for, it's because I believe it with my heart. At the end of the day, I just want to bring people together." said Kacey Musgraves.

Talarico attended Musgraves’ Dallas show on Saturday as part of her tour, then appeared at Austin City Limits Music Festival on Friday after a nine-day absence from the campaign trail, according to the source report.

Noem, who previously represented South Dakota in the House of Representatives, responded to Talarico’s concert connection by promoting Ken Paxton’s Senate campaign on X.

"I'll take [Ella Langley] over Kacey Musgraves any day. And if I'm choosin' Texas, I'll take Ken Paxton over James Talarico." said Kristi Noem, former Secretary of Homeland Security.

Noem’s post came after she shared a screenshot of Talarico’s Facebook post about attending the Dallas concert. The Texas Senate race has drawn attention from candidates and political figures across the state.