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‘ShamWow’ Pitchman Vince Offer Enters Texas Congressional Race

Vince Offer (born Offer Shlomi), the infomercial pitchman known as the "ShamWow" guy, has filed with the Texas Republican Party to run for Congress against long-time Rep. John Carter. Offer told Fox News he aims to "destroy wokeism" and said political infighting motivated his bid. His 2009 arrest for aggravated battery did not lead to charges; Offer has publicly said he takes responsibility for the incident. He appears on the state party candidate list but has not yet filed with the FEC; the primary is set for March.

11:31 PM, 11/24/2025Politics
‘ShamWow’ Pitchman Vince Offer Enters Texas Congressional Race

Vince Offer (born Offer Shlomi), best known to TV audiences as the "ShamWow" pitchman, has filed paperwork with the Texas Republican Party to run for Congress in a district currently held by Rep. John Carter.

Offer is challenging Carter, 84, a long-serving Republican who has represented the district for more than two decades. Carter has announced he will seek re-election, setting up what observers say will be an uphill battle for a challenger without an established political base.

What Offer says about his campaign

In an interview with Fox News, Offer said he plans to "destroy wokeism" in Congress and that the nation's political infighting motivated him to run. He told the outlet his broader goal is to "make America happy," language he has used as part of his public persona.

Past controversy

Offer was arrested in 2009 on an aggravated battery allegation following an altercation with a woman who was also detained; prosecutors ultimately declined to file charges. In a 2013 interview, Offer said he takes "full responsibility" for the incident and intended to cut back on partying. "People understand you make mistakes in life," he said. "Hopefully I won’t make another mistake."

Campaign status and context

Offer's name appears on the Texas Republican Party's candidate list ahead of the state's December filing deadline, but he has not yet filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission. The state primary is scheduled for March.

One of Carter's other Republican challengers, businessman Raymond Hamden, recently outraised the incumbent for a quarter — largely because he loaned his own campaign $105,500. Observers note that incumbency, name recognition and established fundraising networks will be significant factors in the race.

Bottom line: A familiar infomercial personality has entered a high-profile local Republican primary, injecting celebrity name recognition and provocative rhetoric into a race against a long-term incumbent.

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‘ShamWow’ Pitchman Vince Offer Enters Texas Congressional Race - CRBC News