ShamWow Pitchman Vince Shlomi Enters Texas Congressional Race

UPDATE: Vince Shlomi, the infamous ShamWow pitchman, has officially entered the Republican primary for Texas’ 31st Congressional District, aiming to unseat longtime incumbent U.S. Rep. John Carter. This surprising move, announced on Friday, comes amid a crowded field of candidates vying for a seat that stretches from Round Rock to rural Bosque County.

Shlomi filed to run under the name Offer Vince “ShamWow” Shlomi, joining a race that includes Carter, who has represented the district since 2003 and boasts over $600,000 in campaign funds this election cycle. Historically, District 31 has been a Republican stronghold, with Carter securing 65% of the vote in a competitive six-way primary in 2024. This year, however, at least 10 GOP candidates are in the mix, many appealing to the party’s hard-right faction.

Shlomi’s campaign is marked by a provocative approach, heavily focusing on cultural and social issues. Earlier this month, he released a controversial parody video titled “Woke Busters,” in which he portrays himself as a ghost hunter targeting “woke” individuals, including transgender people. This video features fellow Republican challenger Valentina Gomez and has generated significant buzz on social media.

In a follow-up video shot on the steps of a rainbow-colored church, Shlomi made headlines with the statement, “woke churches are after our kids’ nuts,” mirroring the outrageous humor that propelled his Slap Chop infomercial over a decade ago.

Vince Shlomi became a household name through his late-night TV ads, famed for slogans like “you’re gonna love my nuts.” However, his path to Congress is uncertain. Despite his infomercial fame, it remains to be seen whether this notoriety will translate into electoral success in one of Texas’ most reliably Republican districts.

As the primary approaches, all eyes will be on how Shlomi’s unconventional campaign unfolds and whether he can galvanize support amongst voters. The political landscape in Texas is evolving, and Shlomi’s candidacy is sure to keep the race dynamic.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the Texas Republican primary heats up.