Country music star Kacey Musgraves issued a pointed rebuke to former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Monday, October 12, 2026, after Noem criticized the singer while endorsing Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in his Senate bid against Democrat James Talarico.
The dispute began when Noem attempted to contrast Musgraves with rising country artist Ella Langley, according to TMZ.com. Noem took issue with Talarico's appearance at a Musgraves concert in Dallas and wrote on social media, "I'll take @ellalangleymusic over Kacey Muscraves any day. And if I'm choosin' Texas, I'll take Ken Paxton over James Talarico."
Musgraves responded with a barb that referenced a well-known episode from Noem's past. "I don't think you have a dog in this fight but if you did you have shot it," the singer said, according to TMZ.com.
The remark alludes to Noem's admission that she shot and killed her 14-month-old puppy, Cricket, after determining the animal was untrainable — an incident that drew widespread criticism when it became public.
Both musicians are currently on tour, and the Texas midterm election remains weeks away. The exchange highlights how celebrity voices and cultural figures are becoming entangled in a race that could help determine control of the Senate.