Los Angeles – Actors' Equity Association's National Council has voted to endorse James Talarico's campaign for United States Senate on behalf of the more than 51,000 actors and stage managers working in live entertainment.

"James Talarico has already made an impact on the state of Texas, passing legislation based on his deep understanding of what working people need to build better lives," said Al Vincent Jr., executive director of Actors' Equity Association, "Texas is one of the country's most robust live theatre markets, and we need someone who will go to bat for our members on everything from public arts funding to healthcare reform. Together, we can deliver this seat to a pro-labor candidate."

James Talarico said:

"From my 100% pro-labor voting record to my leadership as Vice Chair of the Committee on Trade, Workforce, and Economic Development in the Texas House, I've spent my career fighting for workers, connecting Texans to more good-paying jobs, and making Texas the #1 place to start and grow a business. I'm honored to have the endorsement of Actors' Equity Association as we take this fight to the US Senate."

The move marks Equity's first endorsement for a political candidate in the state of Texas. Equity's ongoing list of 2026 candidate endorsements can be found here.

Equity's public policy priorities include defending and protecting the right to collectively bargain, a prevailing wage in the arts, racial justice, a strong minimum wage, stronger federal and state arts funding, gun violence prevention, universal federal health care, tax fairness and LGBTQ non-discrimination protections.

ACTORS' EQUITY ASSOCIATION, founded in 1913, is the U.S. labor union that represents more than 51,000 professional actors and stage managers. Equity endeavors to advance the careers of its members by negotiating wages, improving working conditions and providing a wide range of benefits (health and pension included). Member: AFL-CIO, FIA. www.actorsequity.org  #EquityWorks

June 8, 2026

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