Country music legends Willie Nelson and Margo Price took a break from their busy tour schedule to remind fans of the importance of the upcoming midterm elections. In a recent Instagram video, the duo urged their followers to vote for Gloria Johnson in Tennessee and Colin Allred in Texas, emphasizing the significant impact these congressional races could have.
Willie Nelson and Margo Price Champion Key Congressional Races
Nestled in the cozy confines of Nelson’s iconic tour bus, the country music icons highlighted the importance of the upcoming midterm elections. “[While] we’re all talking about the presidential race… Margo and I want to talk about our Texas and Tennessee voters,” Nelson, 91, shared with his characteristic warmth.
A Call for Change: Supporting Gloria Johnson in Tennessee
“There are 33 U.S. Senate seats up for grabs this November,” Nashville native Price chimed in, her voice filled with conviction. “We have a chance to vote out Marsha Blackburn.” The Instagram video, filmed during a pause in a “very important” dominoes match – reportedly Nelson’s second favorite pastime – served as a platform for their message.
Price’s endorsement carries particular weight given her background. In 2018, fellow Tennessee native Taylor Swift made headlines by publicly opposing Blackburn, a Republican whose voting record Swift found “appalling and terrifying,” even likening her to “Trump in a wig” in her documentary “Miss Americana.” While Swift’s endorsement of Democrat Phil Bredesen wasn’t enough to sway the 2018 midterm elections, Price and Nelson’s call to action for Johnson, a member of the “Tennessee Three,” signifies a renewed hope for change.
Johnson rose to prominence in 2023 when she and two colleagues were expelled from the Tennessee legislature for their impassioned protest advocating for stricter gun control laws. This protest, sparked by the tragic Covenant school shooting in Nashville that claimed the lives of three children and three adults, resonated with many, and Johnson’s subsequent reinstatement was a victory for gun control advocates.
Texas Takes Center Stage: Backing Colin Allred
Meanwhile, Texas-born Nelson threw his weight behind Colin Allred, a former Tennessee Titans linebacker and current House member. Allred is challenging incumbent Ted Cruz, a Republican figure known for courting controversy. Nelson, reading from prepared notes, stated, “I know firsthand that Colin will represent all Texans, no matter their race, who they worship or who they love.”
This endorsement is significant, especially considering Cruz’s polarizing stances. A vocal climate change denier, Cruz has pledged to dismantle the IRS and celebrated the overturning of Roe v. Wade as a “massive victory” for the pro-life movement. His platform stands in stark contrast to Allred’s, making the upcoming election a battleground for the future of Texas.
Get Out the Vote: A Message of Hope and Action
Both Nelson and Price underscored the urgency of the situation, reminding their followers that the voter registration deadline for both Texas and Tennessee is October 7th. Price, highlighting the fact that Tennessee suffers from the lowest voter turnout nationwide, urged viewers to vote early to ensure their voices are heard.
“So make a voting plan and bring three friends to the polls and vote for Colin Allred,” Nelson encouraged, his voice a blend of hope and determination. Price, ever the firebrand, added with a mischievous smile, “So what I tell my friends is, ‘Friends don’t sleep with people that don’t vote… So we can do better.”
The video, a powerful testament to the enduring power of music and activism, has galvanized fans and sparked crucial conversations about the importance of voting in all elections, not just the presidential race. Only time will tell how impactful Nelson and Price’s endorsement will be, but one thing is certain: their message has resonated, reminding us that every vote counts.
FAQs: Willie Nelson and Margo Price’s Political Endorsements
Why are Willie Nelson and Margo Price encouraging people to vote in the Texas and Tennessee congressional races?
They believe these races are crucial for the future of both states and that the chosen candidates align with their values.
Who are they supporting and why?
- Tennessee: Gloria Johnson, a gun control advocate and member of the “Tennessee Three,” who were expelled from the legislature for protesting gun violence.
- Texas: Colin Allred, a former NFL player and current House member, who is challenging incumbent Ted Cruz, a controversial figure known for his conservative views.
What’s the main message of their video?
Every vote matters. They urge fans to register, make a voting plan, and encourage their friends to do the same, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement.
What are some key takeaways?
- Midterm elections are just as important as presidential elections.
- Celebrities using their platform to encourage voting can have a significant impact.
- Issues like gun control and climate change are at the forefront of these congressional races.
What can I do to stay informed and get involved?
- Research the candidates and their stances on issues you care about.
- Register to vote and make a plan to vote early or on election day.
- Encourage friends and family to do the same.
- Stay informed about key issues and election news from reliable sources.
This election cycle, let’s heed the call of Willie Nelson and Margo Price: get informed, get involved, and let your voice be heard.
