Texas Democrat James Talarico, appears to be benefiting from what critics describe as an attempted silencing.

State Rep. James Talarico, who is seeking the Democratic nomination in this year’s Senate race, reportedly raised about $2.5 million in the 24 hours after CBS pulled his scheduled interview with Stephen Colbert. The interview had already been taped but was scrapped, reportedly over concerns it might trigger the FCC’s “equal time” rule.

Talarico blasted the move on social media, writing that powerful politicians and corporate executives were “working together to sell out the First Amendment,” accusing them of prioritizing their own power and wealth over free speech.

Colbert told his audience that CBS lawyers insisted the segment be withheld due to possible equal-time implications. Historically, that rule has not applied to late-night talk shows, but FCC Chair Brendan Carr, a Trump appointee, has suggested that exemption may no longer apply to programs he views as partisan.

Visibly frustrated, Colbert criticized the decision on air and later posted the interview to YouTube, where it quickly drew millions of views.

Some observers argue the episode reflects a broader rightward shift at CBS under new leadership, especially following Paramount’s merger with Skydance, whose owners have ties to Trump allies. Carr had also recently initiated an inquiry into ABC’s The View after it hosted Talarico.

If the intention was to curb Talarico’s exposure, the outcome appears to have had the opposite effect. In addition to the fundraising surge, online search data showed his name spiking dramatically — far outpacing that of his primary opponent, Rep. Jasmine Crockett.

Sometimes attempts to suppress speech don’t extinguish it… they oxygenate it.