Shamwow Man Enters Texas Legislature Race

Vince Shlomi, widely recognized as the “Shamwow Man” for promoting ultra-absorbent towels on late-night television, is gearing up to run for the Texas Legislature as a Republican, based on state election filings. The application, submitted on Friday, lists him as Ofer Vince “Shamwaw” Shlomi.

Speaking with Fox News Digital over the weekend, Shlomi explained that his bid for political office stems from a desire to “destroy Wakeism” and serve as a homage to the late Charlie Kirk, whom he referred to as the original “Wakebuster.” He also mentioned that “domestic political infighting” spurred him to run, aiming to “make America happy.”

At 61, the Israeli-American entrepreneur is targeting the seat of 84-year-old incumbent U.S. Rep. John Carter (R-Texas), who is also running for re-election in the same district. Carter’s constituency includes parts of the northern Austin suburbs, Temple, and Fort Hood.

Shlomi joins a field of at least five candidates vying for a position in the primary for Texas’ 31st Congressional District, a reliable Republican stronghold. As the president and CEO of Square One Entertainment, a TV marketing firm, Shlomi gained fame in the 2000s with dynamic pitch videos that popularized the Sham Wow towel.

However, his rise to celebrity status has been marred by controversies, including allegations of harassment and physical confrontations. After these incidents, he seemingly stepped back from the limelight, working on improving his public image. In 2009, he was arrested in Miami Beach following a violent incident involving a sex worker, which drew considerable media attention after police images emerged showing his facial scars.

Earlier in his career, Shlomi faced legal challenges linked to the underground comedy film, The Underground Comedy Movie, released in 1999.

In recent years, he has maintained a low profile, focusing on marketing and entrepreneurship.