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3w ago

James Talarico Enters Texas Senate Race, Setting Up Competitive Democratic Primary

The bid adds a viral, faith‑forward progressive to a contest that could hinge on the GOP primary outcome.

Texas State Representatives James Talarico and John Bucy III (D-TX) converse during a session as Democratic lawmakers, who left the state to deny Republicans the opportunity to redraw the state's 38 congressional districts, begin returning to the Texas State Capitol in Austin, Texas, U.S. August 20, 2025. REUTERS/Sergio Flores/File Photo
Texas Rep. James Talarico has gone off the beaten media path for Democratic politicians. He spoke at a 2024 SXSW featured session, appeared on Joe Rogan's podcast, and has embraced contentious interviews with Fox News hosts.
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Overview

  • Talarico, 36, announced his campaign Tuesday and plans a kickoff rally in his hometown of Round Rock in the evening.
  • He joins former Rep. Colin Allred and retired astronaut Terry Virts in the Democratic field, with Beto O’Rourke and Joaquin Castro still considering bids.
  • Positioning himself as an underdog, he vows to challenge billionaire influence, leans on a Christian‑values message, and has built a large audience through TikTok and a Joe Rogan appearance.
  • Republican Sen. John Cornyn faces a primary challenge from Attorney General Ken Paxton, a dynamic Democrats say could shape the general‑election landscape.
  • Texas remains a tough pickup for Democrats, who haven’t won statewide since 1994; Allred raised nearly $100 million in 2024 but lost to Ted Cruz as President Donald Trump won the state by roughly 13–14 points.