Who is James Talarico? Texas democrat running for US senate

Texas state Rep. James Talarico announced on Tuesday that he will run for the US Senate, setting up a tough Democratic primary in a Republican stronghold that Democrats hope to challenge next year.

Talarico, 36, is seen as a rising Democratic star. He was active during Texas’ redistricting fight this summer and gained national attention after appearing on Joe Rogan’s podcast in July.

In a campaign launch video shared with NBC News, Talarico called himself both a uniter and a fighter for working people, while highlighting his Christian faith.

“We’re underdogs in this fight. We’re going up against those billionaire mega-donors and their puppet politicians. We’re going up against a rigged system. And we’re going up against a lot of money,” he said.

He also spoke about his grandfather, a Baptist preacher, who “taught me that we follow a barefoot rabbi who gave two commandments: love God and love neighbor.” Talarico added: “Two thousand years ago, when the powerful few rigged the system, that barefoot rabbi walked into the seat of power and flipped over the tables of injustice. To those who love this state, to those who love this country, to those who love our neighbors: it’s time to start flipping tables.”

Talarico now joins former US Rep. Colin Allred in the Democratic race for the seat currently held by Sen. John Cornyn, a Republican. Cornyn is also facing a primary challenge from state Attorney General Ken Paxton. Texas hasn’t elected a Democrat to the Senate in nearly 40 years.

Speaking to NBC News, Talarico said Democrats need fresh leadership:
“I think what I bring is something a little different. I think the country is looking for a reset in the Democratic Party. They’re looking for something new, something fresh, something different and I think that’s what I can provide.”

He also said, “I am very willing to speak hard truths to my own party and stand up to my own party when it’s wrong, because that’s the only way that this party will change, and it’s the only way it’ll start winning elections and improving people’s lives again.”

Talarico pointed out that he is “used to being the underdog,” reminding that he flipped an Austin-area House district in 2018 and is “very used to proving people wrong.”

A former middle school teacher who hopes to become a pastor, Talarico often speaks about his faith — something more common among Republican candidates. He said his campaign will focus on compassion, in contrast to the “bruising politics” of the Donald Trump era.

“People are really desperate for a new kind of politics. It’s been 10 years of politics as blood sport, politics as professional wrestling… I really do believe that people are hungry for something different. They’re hungry for sincerity and honesty and compassion — timeless, eternal values that every single parent, whether they’re a Democrat or Republican, passes on to their kids.”

Earlier this year, Talarico, Allred, Beto O’Rourke, and Joaquin Castro met to discuss the Senate race. But no agreement was reached, as each believed they were the strongest candidate.