Particle.news
Download on the App Store
20 ARTICLES
·
3w ago

Texas Democrat James Talarico Launches Senate Bid, Setting Up Primary Fight With Colin Allred

The progressive state lawmaker tests his populist, faith-forward appeal in a race Democrats view as newly competitive.

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
Image
Texas State Representative James Talarico speaks in a rally in Chicago on August 16, 2025.
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.

Overview

  • Talarico, a 36-year-old state representative and former teacher, announced his campaign with a video invoking his Christian faith and a “top vs. bottom” message targeting billionaire influence.
  • He joins a Democratic field that includes former Rep. Colin Allred and retired astronaut Terry Virts, while Beto O’Rourke and Joaquin Castro are considering runs according to multiple reports.
  • He plans a kickoff rally Tuesday in his hometown of Round Rock and points to more than 1.2 million TikTok followers and a recent Joe Rogan appearance to expand his reach.
  • On the Republican side, Sen. John Cornyn faces a contentious primary against Attorney General Ken Paxton, a matchup Democrats say could boost their prospects even in GOP-leaning Texas.
  • Talarico highlights work on insulin cost caps, child care relief and Narcan in schools, reiterates a ban on corporate PAC money, and says he has more than $1 million on hand.