James Talarico Leans Into Endorsement From Bill Nye To Launch New Teachers Group

James Talarico, the Texas Democrat looking for an upset in the U.S. Senate race in the state over Ken Paxton, is drawing on an endorsement from Bill Nye, the Science Guy.

The pop culture science figure and TV host appears in a new campaign video for Talarico debuting on Friday, highlighting the candidate’s background as a teacher. It’s part of an effort to launch a coalition, Teachers for Talarico, for the candidate.

Nye says in the video, “Now, I’ve spent my career getting young people excited about science, about being curious, about learning in general, and so do you — you are teachers in Texas. And get this, maybe you know this: James Talarico was a teacher, a middle school teacher, in San Antonio before he was in the Texas legislature. Now, he’s running for Senate, and he needs your support.”

Compared to the 2024 presidential race, the midterms have so far seen relatively few celebrities out on the trail or in videos for candidates. Talarico, though, has posted photos with figures like Willie Nelson and Jimmy Kimmel, who sang his praises when the candidate recently appeared on his late night show, albeit the interview was moved to YouTube out of concern over the FCC’s equal time rule.

Talarico has been leading in polls over Paxton, but Republican super PACs are investing heavily in an effort to shore up support in the state.