‘ShamWow’ Pitchman Jumps into Texas Congressional Race, Vowing to ‘Destroy Wokeism’

Vince Shlomi — the high-energy salesman who helped turn the “ShamWow” towel into a pop-culture phenomenon — is now stepping into the political arena.

The 61-year-old entrepreneur has entered the Republican primary for Texas’ 31st Congressional District, setting up a challenge to longtime incumbent Rep. John Carter.

According to public state election records, Shlomi submitted his paperwork with the state party ahead of Texas’ December filing deadline, joining a growing list of Republicans competing in the March primary.

Carter, 84, has represented the district for more than 20 years and is seeking another term in a seat that covers the northern arc of Austin and extends through Temple and Fort Hood.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Shlomi said a mix of cultural tensions and a desire to honor the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk — who was assassinated in September while speaking at Utah Valley University — motivated him to run.

Shlomi says he wants to “destroy wokeism” and is framing his campaign as a tribute to Kirk, whom he described as the original “woke buster.” He also pointed to “political infighting in the country” and said he hopes to “make America happy.”

Before entering politics, Shlomi built his reputation on late-night television as the hyper-energetic pitchman for a series of household gadgets. After the success of the ShamWow, he went on to promote products like the Slap Chop, the Graty and the Schticky, delivering rapid-fire demonstrations straight into the camera.

His infomercial catchphrases and clips circulated online for years, making him one of the rare TV pitchmen to achieve mainstream recognition.

Shlomi’s time in the public eye has also included controversy. In 2009, he was arrested in Miami Beach following a violent altercation with a sex worker that left him visibly injured; prosecutors ultimately declined to pursue charges. The same year, he was arrested on suspicion of battery after a fight with a woman who was also taken into custody, and again prosecutors declined to press charges.

Shlomi later said the incident forced him to rethink his lifestyle. In a 2013 interview with NBC News, he said he took “full responsibility” for his actions, cut back on partying, kept a lower profile and focused on rebuilding his business. “People understand you make mistakes in life,” he said at the time. “Hopefully I won’t make another mistake.”

Born in Israel and raised in Brooklyn, Shlomi now runs Square One Entertainment, the television marketing company he has helmed for years.

His return to public life comes as the Republican primary field in Texas’ 31st District continues to widen, giving Carter one of his most competitive lineups of challengers in recent cycles. Businessman Raymond Hamden, educator Clark Day, former Army officer Gregory Carter and retiree George Hindman are also seeking the nomination.