Overview

• Talarico will announce his bid on Tuesday, according to reports from Politico and CNN cited by the Texas Tribune.
• The four-term Austin-area lawmaker would join a field that includes former U.S. Rep. Colin Allred and former astronaut Terry Virts, with Beto O’Rourke and Joaquin Castro still considering runs.
• A former teacher and nonprofit director, Talarico, 36, has gained wide attention through viral TikTok videos and a Joe Rogan podcast appearance that emphasize his faith-centered progressive message.
• Democrats view the seat as more competitive because Cornyn faces a primary challenge from Attorney General Ken Paxton, whose controversies have drawn scrutiny, though recent polling shows a tightening race.
• Talarico starts with modest name recognition outside Central Texas after shifting to a safer Austin district in 2021.