Harry Styles Gives Democrat Beto O'Rourke a Shoutout During Texas Concert

Roughly a month ahead of the Texas gubernatorial election, Democratic candidate Beto O'Rourke got a shoutout from one of the biggest pop stars in the world: Harry Styles.

During Styles' concert in Austin on Sunday night, the musician flaunted a black-and-white sticker on his guitar. In all caps, it read: "BETO FOR TEXAS." Video circulating on social media shows Styles, who also stars in the new film Don't Worry Darling, tapping the sticker as fans cheer and clap.

After a few seconds, a smiling O'Rourke appears on the jumbotron. The applause crescendoes as the politician waves and flashes a peace sign.

Despite getting love from a mega-famous celebrity, O'Rourke is still facing a steep climb on the path to victory.

The Texas governor's mansion hasn't housed a Democrat in nearly three decades—its last left-leaning occupant was Anne Richards, who exited office in 1995. The Lone Star State has since turned a deep shade of red, and Republican Governor Greg Abbott has overseen the state since January 2015.

Still, Abbott's support has taken some hits in recent months.

Democrats and Republicans alike have blasted the governor's response to issues like the COVID-19 pandemic, the Uvalde school massacre and the February 2021 winter freeze, which claimed the lives of 246 people, according to the state's final count.

O'Rourke is a former congressman from El Paso who in 2018 led a fierce challenge to GOP U.S. Senator Ted Cruz. After losing that race, he launched an unsuccessful bid for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination.

Supporters are holding out hope that O'Rourke will finally find success in the upcoming gubernatorial election. However, one recent poll shows that he's trailing Abbott by around 5 percentage points. Another new survey puts the incumbent even further ahead with a 7-point lead.

Younger voters typically turn out at a much lower rate than older ones, said Mark Jones, a professor of political science at Rice University. And compared with Abbott, O'Rourke receives stronger support from Generation Z members and younger millennials.

"For Beto, these types of call-outs and endorsements can help, because if he's to have any hope whatsoever of winning on November 8, he needs exceptionally high turnout by younger voters," Jones said. "And one way to reach these younger voters is through celebrities."

In addition to Styles, Texas country legend Willie Nelson has also lent his support to O'Rourke.

Fewer celebrities appear to be rooting on Abbott, though. Ultra-conservative rocker Ted Nugent was invited to campaign with the GOP politician ahead of his first gubernatorial bid in 2014, but he advocated for an Abbott challenger during the 2022 primaries.

Media coverage of Styles' endorsement could help O'Rourke, Jones said. Generation Z could now set their sights on the governor's race, something that may not have been on their radar otherwise.

Still, O'Rourke will need any newfound support to materialize at the ballot box.

"It's not enough for Beto that [younger people] now are more aware that there's a gubernatorial election," Jones said. "He needs them to actually be registered to vote, and then turn out to vote."

Newsweek has reached out to O'Rourke's team and a Styles representative for comment.