Offer “Vince” Shlomi, better known as the “ShamWow Guy” from late-night TV infomercials, has filed to run in the Republican primary for Congress in Texas’ 31st District. His campaign centers around a provocative “destroy wokeism” message. While he’s not running in Lubbock directly, his entry into Texas politics raises broader questions about the changing face of GOP candidates and what his run might signal for conservative voters statewide, including in Lubbock.

Read More: What Are Lubbock’s Most Passionate Local Debates?

Shlomi’s Campaign Platform: Fighting “Wokeism”

While the majority of Texans want candidates with commonsense solutions for improving jobs, healthcare, cost of living, infrastructure, agribusiness, etc., Shlomi is harkening back to 5 years ago by ringing the “woke” bell. I’m not positive what “wokeism” in deeply conservative Texas even looks like; perhaps it’s adding beans to chili. But what would I know? I grew up here, while Shlomi was raised in New York, and lived in Los Angeles for many years.

Texas’ 31st District: A Deep-Red Landscape

The area in which Shlomi is attempting to fight wokeism covers Bell and Williamson counties, among others, in a deeply red and fairly affluent area. This area has consistently voted Red for many years. He is going up against incumbent U.S. Rep. John R. Carter, who has served the area for over 20 years and who easily won the last election.

Read More: Lubbock County Commissioner’s Confrontation Draws Community Outrage

What His Run Could Mean for Lubbock Republicans

Besides a mild embarrassment-by-proxy, I’m sure West Texas Republicans will not bat an eye. If Sholomi were to somehow win this election, our officials would presumably have to work with him on legislation, perhaps a resolution to ban beans from any Texas chili.

As Offer “Vince” Shlomi steps into the race for Texas’ 31st Congressional District, his candidacy adds an unexpected twist to the state’s political landscape. While the district sits far from Lubbock, any high-profile or unconventional campaign in Texas has the potential to influence conversations statewide. Whether his run ultimately gains traction or fades quietly, it highlights how rapidly the tone and style of political campaigns in Texas are changing, and why voters across the state, including in Lubbock, are paying attention.

Also, here’s the ShamWow commercial, in case you somehow forgot the script in its entirety:

The Top 10 Most Wanted Gang Fugitives in Lubbock For November 2025

Lubbock Police, Lubbock County Sheriff’s Department, and even authorities in other parts of Texas are looking for these fugitives who have been spotted before in the Lubbock area. Take a look and see if you recognize any of these fugitives.

Gallery Credit: Chad Hasty