Alyssa Edwards has responded to Texas Attorney General and Republican US Senate candidate Ken Paxton after he used the drag performer in attacks on Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico. Edwards, whose real name is Justin Johnson, addressed Paxton directly and questioned why the politician had chosen to target her name and reputation.
The clash began after Talarico was asked to name his favourite drag queen in Texas and answered: 'Probably Alyssa Edwards.' Paxton subsequently used the response to attack Talarico, making claims about Edwards and her work with young dancers.
Edwards has now offered a detailed response, highlighting her decades as an educator and her long-standing work with children through her dance company.
James Talarico is a conman who believes in sex change surgeries for kids.
— Attorney General Ken Paxton (@KenPaxtonTX) September 17, 2026
His favorite drag queen even grooms children. pic.twitter.com/D7fNvdvDD1
Alyssa Edwards Addresses Ken Paxton
In her response to Paxton, Edwards began by addressing him directly, questioning his 'motive or intention' in trying to disparage her name, character or reputation. She then added: 'The way we choose to speak about others often says far more about our own character than it ever will about theirs.'
She then shifted the focus to Paxton's role as a politician, saying she hoped his attention would remain on 'policy, leadership' and what he intended to provide for Texans.
Edwards also used the moment to introduce herself beyond her drag persona. Born and raised in Mesquite, Texas, she described herself as 'an educator of 30 years, a choreographer, an entrepreneur, a mentor', as well as a 'drag performer'.
She said she has drawn inspiration from iconic films and built a career spanning TV appearances and drag competitions.
Most importantly, Edwards highlighted Beyond Belief Dance Company, the Mesquite-based studio where she has worked with young dancers for years. Her official biography identifies her as the owner of the dance company and a dance teacher in her hometown.
She shared how Beyond Belief grew from a YMCA recreation programme into a space where young people could develop creativity, passion and discipline. Edwards added that seeing her students pursue college, professional dance careers and meaningful lives has been her 'greatest reward of all.'
Edwards ended her statement to Paxton by saying: 'Ultimately, I am proud of who I am. I know who I am. I know what I stand for, and what I still hope to accomplish.'
What Did Paxton Say?
Paxton's comments came during the 2026 Texas US Senate race between him and Talarico. After Talarico named Edwards as his favourite Texas drag queen, Paxton criticised the Democrat on social media and subsequently targeted Edwards directly.
In an interview with Fox News, Paxton alleged that Edwards was 'pushing for children drag shows' and claimed that she had 'a platform that grooms children'.
The comments fit into a wider campaign argument over LGBTQ+ issues. Paxton has also criticised Talarico over his positions on transgender issues during the Senate campaign.
Alyssa Edwards Beyond the Stage
Beyond drag and her work as a dance educator, Alyssa Edwards has spoken publicly about LGBTQ+ visibility, self-expression and acceptance. She has described herself as a positive role model and mentor for young artists, while speaking about the importance of authenticity and being able to express yourself.
Edwards has also spoken out about anti-drag laws and the treatment of drag performers, saying lawmakers should get to know performers before judging them. Her work as a teacher and mentor has remained a major part of her career, particularly through Beyond Belief Dance Company, where she has worked with young dancers for decades.
