James Talarico
Democratic candidate for U.S. Senator, Texas · Open seat
State representative; former middle school teacher
In his fourth term in the Texas House representing parts of North Austin. Previously taught at Rhodes Middle School in San Antonio ISD. Won the Democratic nomination with 52.4% over U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett.
Where Talarico stands
- Gas tax
- Supports suspending the federal gas tax and ending the Iran war to lower fuel costs.
- Data centers
- Wants data centers to pay their own infrastructure costs, end their tax breaks, and let communities decide where they go.
- Iran and war powers
- Will vote for a war powers resolution to end the war and restore Senate oversight.
- Border wall in Big Bend
- Opposes a wall through Big Bend; proposes more agents, judges, surveillance technology, and barriers where needed.
- Gender care for minors
- Does not support gender surgery for minors; criticizes what he calls political attacks on children.
- Marijuana and hemp
- Supports legal, regulated adult marijuana with taxes funding public safety and health programs.
- Tariffs
- Wants them repealed, saying they raise family costs and cost jobs.
Background
- Texas House of Representatives, fourth term (North Austin)
- Teacher, Rhodes Middle School (San Antonio ISD)
- Worked at education nonprofit Reasoning Mind
In the news
- Ken Paxton says he would debate James Talarico in Texas Senate race 'if the terms were right' Washington Times, October 22, 2026
- Texas Republicans are refusing to debate for the election Texas Tribune, October 7, 2026
Also running for U.S. Senator
- Ken Paxton Republican
- Ted Brown Libertarian
Sources
- Texas Tribune: Paxton, Talarico and Brown on the issues (Oct 13, 2026)
- Wikipedia: 2026 U.S. Senate election in Texas
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