Texas state Representative James Talarico, a Democrat and former schoolteacher, officially joined the U.S. Senate race on Tuesday, adding momentum to a growing field aiming to challenge Republican Senator John Cornyn.
At 36, Talarico has built a rising national profile with viral social media posts highlighting his opposition to policies such as private school vouchers and the display of the Ten Commandments in public classrooms. This Senate race marks Talarico’s first bid for statewide office. He previously flipped a seat in Austin’s suburbs in 2018, marking a notable win for the Democrats in an area that had leaned Republican.
Talarico will compete for the Democratic nomination alongside former U.S. Representative Colin Allred, who is attempting another run after narrowly losing to Republican Senator Ted Cruz last year. Other candidates, including astronaut Terry Virts, have also declared their intentions to enter the primary.
“I sense a deep hunger for a different kind of politics,” Talarico said ahead of his announcement. “After ten years of Trumpian politics, people are seeking a return to timeless values of sincerity, honesty, compassion, and respect.”
Talarico holds degrees from the University of Texas at Austin and Harvard University. He is also pursuing a Master of Divinity at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, expressing a long-term goal of leading the church he grew up in. His background as an educator and faith-driven leader has resonated with voters looking for fresh voices in Texas politics.
Senator Cornyn, running for a fifth term, faces a competitive campaign, particularly against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Paxton, who was impeached in 2023 over allegations of bribery and abuse of public trust, was acquitted in a historic trial and is positioning himself as an outsider aligned with the state’s conservative voters.
Democrats have struggled in statewide races in Texas for decades. The last Democratic victory was more than 30 years ago. Former U.S. Representative Beto O’Rourke came close in 2018, losing to Cruz by just three percentage points, but Republican margins have widened since then. In the 2024 presidential election, Donald Trump carried Texas by more than 13 points. O’Rourke is also considering another Senate bid after his unsuccessful run against Governor Greg Abbott.
Talarico first gained attention in the Texas House for his outspoken stance on education and social issues. He used social media effectively to challenge Republican-led policies and engage with voters beyond traditional political channels. Clips of him opposing private school vouchers and advocating against religion in public schools went viral, significantly boosting his profile.
Talarico’s appearance on a high-profile podcast this summer further elevated his recognition. By drawing on his Christian faith while taking firm stances against conservative policies, he has connected with a wide audience, including voters who may not traditionally align with Democrats.
His campaign promises focus on honesty, compassion, and tackling systemic inequality. Talarico emphasizes that his platform will aim to represent all people, regardless of party, race, gender, or religion. He also plans to challenge the influence of powerful political and business interests that benefit from a fractured system.
With this announcement, the Texas Senate race is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched contests in the country. Talarico’s mix of progressive policies, faith-driven leadership, and strong grassroots presence could make him a key figure in the Democratic effort to regain influence in a historically Republican state.
