Vince Offer, widely recognized as the “ShamWow Guy” from his viral infomercial ads, has announced his candidacy for Congress in Texas’ 31st Congressional District, where he will challenge longtime Republican Rep. John Carter.
According to state election records reviewed by Fox News, Offer filed to run under the name Offer Vince “ShamWow” Shlomi.
In speaking with The Dallas Express, Offer said he decided to enter the race “about a month ago” after relocating to Texas from California.
From ‘Wokebuster’ to a Congressional Campaign
Offer said a parody project he produced earlier this year pushed him toward politics.
“I started it nine months ago,” he said of his Wokebuster video. “And then the next couple days, I see it trending on all the platforms, like millions of views.”
Offer added that he has voted Republican for “the last twenty years.”
Culture War Priorities
Offer explained to The Dallas Express that cultural issues are central to his decision to run.
“Most gays understand they shouldn’t be going after the kids,” he said, arguing that children need time to focus on school, sports, and faith. He noted that he did not learn about sex “till 11.”
On bathroom and gender-policy debates, he offered a blunt stance: “If you’re gonna try to go in a girl’s bathroom, no.”
He also said the nation needs to lower the temperature of political conflict. “We gotta get rid of the hate,” Offer said.
Policy Issues: Immigration, Tech, and Housing
Offer explained to DX that he is still reviewing H-1B visa policies but believes the United States should prioritize economic stability before expanding employment-based immigration.
He voiced support for autonomous vehicle development and pointed to the cost of living in California as a factor in his move. “Like a draconian place,” he said of Los Angeles, adding that a three-bedroom house in Santa Monica is “$3,000,000.”
View of the Incumbent
Offer spoke respectfully of the 84-year-old incumbent, Carter, saying the incumbent has “been around for twenty years” and has “done some good things.”
The district, which includes the northern Austin suburbs, Temple, and Fort Cavazos, is considered a safe Republican seat.
Past Controversies Addressed
Offer acknowledged a 2009 arrest in Miami Beach following a violent altercation with a woman described in police reports as a sex worker. Prosecutors declined to pursue charges.
Reflecting on the incident, he told The Dallas Express, “I regret that. I regret that.”
Campaign Outlook
Offer said he views cultural issues, political unity, and economic stability as the primary themes of his campaign.
The Dallas Express contacted Rep. Carter and candidate Valentina Gomez for comment, but did not receive a response.