I want to believe in James Talarico, but I'm so, so cynical.

[Coventina]

I hate to say it, but his clean cut image reminds me of all the conservative Christian men who have fucked me, one way or the other, all my life.

I want to believe he means what he says. I also would love to see Texas go blue!
But, I'm finding it hard to believe he's the real deal.

How are others feeling?

(I'll be blunt: I wanted Jasmine Crockett to win, but a black woman representing Texas was too much to ask for, I guess).

[Shellback Squid]

1. he is the real thing although Crockett has more experience

[Wiz Imp]

43. Huh? He's been in office for 8 years. She's only been in office for 5.

[Shellback Squid]

47. really? I've only hear of him in the last six months, wow

[Wiz Imp]

77. No offense, but he has probably been the most prominent Democrat in Texas state

government since shortly after he was elected 8 years ago.

[ForeGoneLegsBirne]

85. He's Been Around I've Seen Him on YouTube for 18 mo's or so....

He's impressive. He speaks the language I love Jasmine too but I've been saying since Cruz lost the NY primary in 2016 that political literacy STILL trump's raw energy in this game. Relying on Houston or part of Dallas to carry you all the way in Texas with a late start is asking for trouble. A reliable 85%+ black vote isn't gonna happen. Too many conservatives of every demographic.

[Betty Boom]

74. His service is at the state level

It’s hardly comparable.

[Wiz Imp]

75. Really? It's extremely comparable. Legislative experience is legislative experience.

And half of Crockett's experience is at the state level as well. Plus he has served for twice as long. Regaardless, the original statement was blatantly false. He has almost twice the experience she does.

[SocialDemocrat61]

97. The Texas State Legislature only meets every other year

for only 140 days. It’s considered a part time job that only pays $7k per year. Not really comparable to the House of Representatives.

[niyad]

76. He has been in state office since 2018. Rep. Crockett was in state office

from 2021-2023, and national office since 2023. Slight difference.

[Wiz Imp]

79. Irrelevant. The fact is he has almost twice as much legislative experience as she does.

[niyad]

81. Quite relevant. Difference between state and national, but do keep trying.

[Wiz Imp]

96. Statement that I was originlly responding to: " Crockett has more experience"

That statement was and remains certifiably false. I have no idea why people are trying to argue the point. He has been a legislator for longer than she has. Period. Fact.

(The person who posted it even admitted they were wrong)

[LeftInTX]

92. He has two more years than she has.

[mr715]

2. He reminds me of Pete Buttigieg

If he's going to turn Texas blue, this cycle is going to be the one for it to happen.

I was on the fence between Rep. Crockett and Talarico. Talarico's pitch might work, more Democrats voted in the primary than Republicans, which for Texas is interesting.

[Lisa0825]

5. Especially considering that the Republican primary in Texas was very contentious! nt

[womanofthehills]

38. Interesting- that it's Texas and he the slightest more progressive candidate

Obama could speak like a preacher and people like that. I feel good about him. He seems moral and decent.

[CommonHumanity]

105. NEED MORE+++preacher-style talk!!!

So so true that people like preacher-type talking style. I think it would do most dems good to go to preacher-talk lessons. Okay, maybe there is no such literal training, but surely there is something similar or just hoire and damn preacher to give instructions. In this critical time, there is really NO excuse for a politician to speak in the lame somnambulist speaking style that is WAY too common (hello Schumer).

Granted, for some politicians it would fall flat and appear false, which wouldn't help at all, but the training would help 95% of them at lease pick up some pointers. Just think about how many charismatic, persuasive politicians have a least a hint of that quality.

Clue phone to dem house and senate! I think I'll send them the suggestion. I mean, come on. There is no effing excuse for not upping their speaking style and persuasive power especially since many people vote on emotion rather than logic (see Donald J Scumbag). It would be such a simple upgrade towards our efforts to restore democracy.

[ForeGoneLegsBirne]

86. He's Got The Same Political Literacy As Buttigieg

[Cosmocat]

114. Yep

n m

[BootinUp]

3. He seems to work very hard (good work ethic), but that is just my impression. nt

[ananda]

4. I think he's OK. His track record is good.

And a sheep shall lead the wolves.

[Ocelot II]

6. I think he's the real thing.

And not all Christians are conservative. Most of the ones I know are further left than me. Find some Episcopalians or ELCA Lutherans if you want to meet people who are both very left-wing and sincerely religious (e.g. Bishop Marianne Budde). I don't know what Talarico's denomination is, but I think he's sincere about both his faith and his politics.

[skylucy]

27. Amen! I am Episcopalian and my church is very liberal.

[hamsterjill]

31. I am not Episcopalian, but there is one Reverend that I follow and find fascinating.

His name is Joseph Yoo, and he tells it like it is! He's young and has a son that has autism. I believe he's out of Houston.

[evemac]

91. And I'm an ELCA Lutheran

Progressive Christians unite!

[Coventina]

32. From what I saw, he was raised Baptist and is now Presbyterian.

He got a Master of Divinity at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary.

[Trueblue Texan]

49. One of our state senate candidates...

...who may have won his primary(keeping my fingers crossed at 95% of the vote reported) is a retired Methodist minister and he is super progressive. Folks that hold ACTUAL Christian values are, by definition, quite progressive. I am not a Christian but I have read scripture.

[yellowdogintexas]

67. Which Senate District?? If there is anything happening which might increase the number of Democrats in the Lege

I am pleased as punch.

[Trueblue Texan]

100. Paul Thomasson, Senate District 5 nt

[In It to Win It]

60. My family is Baptist. They're very religious (me not so much). We're all Dems

If I had to pick someone that is representative of my family, I would say we are of the Raphael Warnock mold.

[yellowdogintexas]

65. I agree wholeheartedly. You can throw in many United Methodist and United Church of Christ ministers

as well.
His grandfather was a Baptist minister; Talarico has been attending seminary at a Presbyterian seminary in Austin. The pastors I have known who went there are all good liberals. Senator Reverend Warnock is a Baptist Minister too, and he pastors MLK's old church

[synni]

94. I used to work at an ELCA Lutheran Church

I never found any liberals there.

However, our local Seventh Day Adventist Church is very liberal!

[Rver]

7. I think the same thing...

Clean cut Christian type/repub looking.
Then I think to myself, am I just stereotyping/prejudiced or will he actually do what he says?

[Lochloosa]

9. See my post below.

[yellowdogintexas]

72. Agree. Really listen to the things he says.

and here are a couple of videos of him in the Texas Lege Watch him back these guys into a corner before they realize he has trapped them.

[Lochloosa]

8. Watch his sermon against Christian Nationalism. He walks the walk.

?si=R0FqeRrr4ddYgB1Y

[markodochartaigh]

16. Beautiful sermon.

If he gets elected I sure hope that he has a good security detail.

[pat_k]

26. +100

I think that sermon -- the entire thing -- is a must see. But for those how don't have time, I've transcribed some excerpts in Post 13

[Cha]

59. Mahalo, Lochloosa I liked his sermon.

Best of Good Luck to James Talarico in Texas!

Talarico for Texas has a Nice Ring to it!

[yellowdogintexas]

71. Whole heartedly agree!!!! I first became aware of him after watching this video in my Sunday School Class

(we had a speaker whose subject was Christian Nationalism and its dangers). When she showed the video many of my (also liberal ) friends were blown away. I met him the next day at a Democratic event; after that I knew he had great things ahead of him. I have been on Team Telarico ever since. I think this was 18 months ago or so.

[markodochartaigh]

10. I would have preferred Jasmine Crockett as well.

I think that she has proven herself to be extraordinary on the national stage. I left Texas, but the last two relatives that I have there both voted for Talarico because they thought that Jasmine Crockett could not win statewide. I agree that Talarico reminds me of the Standard White Christian Texan who will stab me in the back while shaking my hand and telling me that he hates the sin, not the sinner. But having lived 6 decades of my gay life in Texas, maybe I'm over reacting. I heard so many people who actually knew Fetterman and Sinema say that they were surprised how they turned out. There must be intense pressure to compromise one's principles at that level. At least even a compromised Democratic congressperson is one more seat towards a majority, so that's some silver lining.

[pat_k]

30. I hope you can take a little comfort that he is a unique and incredibly effective speaker against Christian Nationalism

.. at time that Christian Nationalism is an existential threat.

Jasmine is formidable and will be forging a new path. Talarico's is a voice I think we desperately need on the national stage at this juncture.

And DO NOT discount his tenure in the State Legislature. He has had accomplishments that make it clear he is skilled at connecting and building support needed to pass meaningful law.

[markodochartaigh]

41. Completely setting aside that a dimestore mannequin would be

infinitely better than either of the Republican candidates, I certainly agree that protestants need a Pope Leo type figure (or more than one) nationally to lead as many as possible away from the evil that is Christian nationalism. Jeff Sharlet's great book "The Family" should be required high school reading in my opinion.
It is so ironic that in a state which produces both evil and milquetoast politicians by the ton two such outstanding politicians should be vying for the same office. I just hope that we hear much more from both of them for decades to come.

[pat_k]

46. I have no doubt that "next Gen" Dems like Talarico and Crocket will be at the forefront...

... of remaking the Democratic party for the better.

I don't have the exact quote, but as Talarico said in his speech tonight, this election in TX has inspired a little hope across the nation -- and a little hope is a powerful thing.

People who have given up any hope their participation could make a difference, or actually help bring about meaningful change, may be inspired to get in the game.

And if a feedback loop of hope and action takes hold, watch out!

[kwolf68]

11. I was on Reese Waters pod last night

And Jasmine's fans are up in arms. I couldn't reason with any. I came in peace, I absolutely love that women, she's brilliant, amazing and she will fight your ass. She's a freaking star.

BUT, this is Texas, state wide and I ALSO believe it's important for Democrats to start to take back religion or at least put it on equal footing. I think Talarico can expose these hypocrites. He knows the bible, he's a believer and he's a Liberal. We need this man's voice in the public sphere. I Promise you he will make religious people THINK.

Again, all due respect to Jasmine. Any other time, state, place, year, I'd want her to win. But not here and now.

[Tree Lady]

29. When I think of a Christian democrat

I think of Jimmy Carter. He lived his entire life in the service of others and taught us all what true love and religion is.

He was the first president I voted for.

I am not religious now I was in my younger years but with all the greed, cruelty and filth going around someone that truly lives what he believes might be good for this country.

[LeftInTX]

70. Jimmy Carter was president before the rise of the religious right.

Reagan got involved with them and they were big factor in getting Reagan elected in 1980. They painted Jimmy as a "non-Christian" because he supported women's choice.

[LoisB]

12. My gut says he is not. I can't point to anything specific, just sort of the same

feeling I had about Eric Adams. I hope I am wrong.

[calguy]

63. To me, it doesn't matter if he is or isn't

if he wins, and think his chances are far better than Crocket's would have been, he'll be far better than if the Republicans hold on to that seat.

[live love laugh]

69. Is the same true for someone like Fetterman or Sinema?

I’m no analyst and maybe you are right but elected Democrats who side with the opposition are a concern.

[PeaceWave]

90. Being Christian doesn't mean that you "side with the opposition."

In fact, a slight majority of Democrats identify as Christian.

[live love laugh]

99. Where did I mention Christian? That's not my concern.

[calguy]

104. Well, okay then

Go ahead and support Cornyn or Paxton for Texas Senator if it makes you feel better.

[displacedvermoter]

106. Not what was said, but you know that

[pat_k]

13. I have concluded he is the real deal.

He has been on my radar since 2023. I've watched him battle as a Representative in the Texas state legislature. He is a riveting speaker against Christian Nationalism.

I could, of course, be wrong, but he is not a person who has "come out of nowhere."

He's been walking the walk, and talking the talk since he was elected in 2018. And before that he taught 6th grade language arts in the West Side of San Antonio, one of the city's poorest zip codes, with 97% of its student population classified as economically disadvantaged.

For me, his Oct 2023 sermon against Christian Nationalism shows him to be an incredibly smart, riveting, and effective speaker on an existential threat. I highly recommend watching the entire sermon. I've included some excerpts below that you may want to scan if you don't have time. (I didn't transcribe some great bits where he talks about other faith traditions.)

. . .
He told us we would know them by their fruits.

Jesus includes.

Christian Nationalism excludes.

Jesus liberates.

Christian Nationalism controls.

Jesus saves.

Christian Nationalism kills.

Jesus started a universal movement based on mutual love.

Christian Nationalism is a sectarian movement based on mutual hate.

Jesus came to transform the world.

Christian Nationalism is here to maintain the status quo.

They have co-opted the Son of God. They've turned this humble rabbi into a gun-toting, gay-bashing, science-denying, money-loving, fear-mongering fascist.
. . .

If this was truly a Christian nation, we would love all of our LGBTQ neighbors. If this was truly a Christian nation, we would make sure every child in this state and in this country was housed, fed, clothed, educated, and insured.

If this was truly a Christian nation, we would never make it a Christian nation because we know the table of fellowship is open to everybody, including our Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, and atheist neighbors.
. . .

The closest thing we have to the kingdom of heaven is a multiracial, multicultural democracy where power is truly shared among all people. Something that's yet to exist in human history.
. . .

When someone asked Jesus to name his most important commandment, he cheats and gives two -- two that he says are related. The first is to love God. The second, he said, "Is like it: love they neighbor as thyself." It's like it because when I recognize the divine image in myself, I can't help but recognize it in my neighbor; whether they're Christian or not, whether they're religious or not. In the Parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus specifically defines neighbor as someone different from us, racially, economically, politically, religiously. God loves diversity; God loves variety. Just look around this beautiful planet of ours.
. . .

God is so much bigger than our human categories. God is not a Presbyterian. God is not a Christian.

God it not a noun at all.

God is a verb.

God is not a being.

God is being itself.

God is love.

And that's why Jesus is against anything that gets in the way of that love between neighbors, including religion.
. . .

That's why he says sinners will get to the kingdom of heaven before religious people do. Sorry to everyone here. I know you came all this way.
. . .

The kingdom of God inverts the power dynamics of "all the kingdoms in the world."

True strength is vulnerability.

True status is equality.

True wealth is sharing.

And we as Christians are called to realize that kingdom "on earth as it is in heaven," not by force, but by faith.

Jesus asked us to have the faith of a mustard seed, trusting that by living and dying for love we give birth to a better world.

That's not easy to do.
. . .

Christian Nationalists are more committed to the love of power than the power of love.

And it exposes a lack of faith because the opposite of faith is not doubt. Doubt is a healthy part of any faith.

The opposite of faith is control. When we stop trusting God, when we stop trusting love, we start taking control for ourselves.

Christian Nationalists want to control what we read, who we marry, where we travel, when we have children. They want to control our minds and our bodies.

"O ye of little faith."
. . .

[Seinan Sensei]

66. I believe that the more "conservative" one is, Scripturally speaking

- the more liberal/progressive one becomes, politically speaking

[pat_k]

78. An interesting observation.

And one that seems to be born out in analyses like this one, that seeks to find the "answer" on when life begins in scripture.

https://www.christiancitizen.us/articles/when-does-life-begin-reckoning-with-surprising-answers-in-scripture

June 19, 2022
When does life begin? Reckoning with surprising answers in Scripture
Rev. Dr. Dan Brockway

...
Personally, I found Roe's focus on fetal viability to be a decent compromise. Once a developing fetus has a fighting chance of surviving outside the womb, elective termination of the pregnancy (outside of serious health complications) is more or less objectively immoral.

As much as I have observed these debates as a minister and scholar of the Bible, I have always been struck by how rarely Christians support their view of when life begins on Scripture. While the Bible may not speak definitively to the matter, certainly (as Christians) our views on difficult ethical topics should find some basis in God's word. To that end, here are a few biblical passages that should be considered in the debate over when life begins.

... {see the article for the detailed survey)

Perhaps the biggest takeaway from surveying the Bible's teaching around life and when it begins is that we need to exercise some humility. As Christians, we should strive to relate all of our views and actions to Scripture. When the witness of Scripture is not fully clear, and especially when it clashes with our assumptions, that should call our own certainty into question and inspire humility.

Maybe we are not meant to fully understand when life begins. Maybe God in God's infinite wisdom decided that such knowledge is beyond our paygrade. And maybe that's okay.

[Jack Valentino]

14. Hispanics are now the largest demographic group in Texas,

outnumbering African-Americans by more than 3 to 1 in Texas...
and Talarico is not a 'conservative Christian' by any means!
(Indeed, on actual policy, there was very little difference between Crockett and Talarico,
so far as I have read).

I don't know what you mean by 'the real deal', but I would say that he is a 'REAL Christian'--
which most of the Republican self-proclaimed Christians CLEARLY are not!

As a minority, don't you think Hispanics are also deserving of representation?
I think the demographics of the state weighed in on the results of this primary.


Google:
As of the 2022-2023 U.S. Census estimates, Texas is a majority-minority state where Hispanics are the largest demographic group, slightly outnumbering non-Hispanic whites. The approximate population breakdown is 40.2% Hispanic, 39.8% non-Hispanic white, and 12–13% Black or African American

[pat_k]

17. My reasons for concluding he is absolutely "the real deal" in Post 13.

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100221071576#post13

[markodochartaigh]

25. "... Hispanics are also deserving of representation?"

Race and ethnicity are fluid, confusing, and often arbitrary in the US.

Are you saying that he is Hispanic? I don't know how he identifies but Talarico is an Italian surname and he was adopted by his non-biological Italian surnamed stepfather.

[Jack Valentino]

28. I thought he was.... pardon my ignorance :( However, it's quite possible that

a lot of hispanic voters in Texas may have made the same false assumption!

[markodochartaigh]

33. It's completely ok, and it's not even ignorance.

I've personally known many people who had both Hispanic and non-Hispanic White heritage and over the last two decades things have changed and their children may or may not identify as Hispanic. Hispanic is an ethnicity. White is really meaningless. Anglo can include White people whose ancestors fought England for hundreds of years. Mexican can include people from all over the world whose ancestors immigrated to Mexico, including Irish who were brought to México by the wonderful President López de Santa Anna to act as a counter to the Anglo American slave holders whose aim was to convert a huge part of México into a slave state.

The whole thing is complicated.

[pat_k]

35. He does well with Hispanic voters, perhaps owing to his tenure teaching...

... sixth grade language arts at Rhodes Middle School in San Antonio, TX -- a school that serves a student body that is/was over 90% Hispanic.

[drray23]

15. So he is a presbyterian, member of St Andrews in Austin , TX

That church is part of the liberal branch of Presbyterian churches (PCUSA), which are pro LGBT+, support the ordination of women and same sex marriages. Talarico is an outspoken opponent of Christian nationalism. This is reassuring. I still feel a little uneasy whenever a politician uses arguments rooted in religion when legislating or debating (there are clips of him doing that to refute a republican argument during a legislative session), but hey, maybe that's what works in Texas.

[Easterncedar]

18. The Christian thing, well, that brand is some tarnished

I personally know a few who are genuinely good and decent people, but they don’t make a show of it. The ones who go about proclaiming their religious devotion so often are self-serving hypocrites.

It may be unfair, but I am suspicious, too.

Tracy Uhlmann on her sketch series has a recurrent bit about a woman who is, for example, on a date or at a job interview that is going really well, the guy is interested, they are about to offer her the job, and she mentions that she is a Christian. The guy suddenly has to leave, the job is no longer a good fit. It’s an odd, pointed commentary. In some places, like in American politics, you have to profess a religion, preferably Christian, even if, as in the case of the Mango Menace, it’s sheer, blatant, ugly dishonesty. Americans won’t accept an atheist. The comedy suggests that the Brits find self-identified Christians off-putting, a little contemptible, maybe embarrassing, definitely to be avoided.

[pat_k]

20. My reasons for concluding he is the "real deal" in Post 13.

[Easterncedar]

22. I hope he wins in November, no matter what

[Pisces]

19. He reminds me of Pete Buttigieg. He has the best chance of winning, and that's on a wing and a prayer.

Crocket had no chance. She didn’t appeal to the independents enough. She could win all of the left and that would not be enough. You need 3 to 5% of independents. This is a numbers game. I’m not counting on any Republican votes. Talarico won Hispanics by 70%.

[SSJVegeta]

21. Talarico is the real deal. If you havent already, i recommend checking out his sermons and iinterviews

Last edited Thu Mar 5, 2026, 12:39 AM - Edit history (1)

There have been very few revolutionary white preachers in the world who put the greater good ahead of themselves. But he is absolutely one of them.

[hamsterjill]

23. I like him and his approach to Christianity.

I've said here many times that I'm a red-letter Christian. Talarico in my opinion speaks about what *I* believe are the true tenets of Christianity. Love God and love your neighbor.

You, nor anyone, has to agree with my religious belief or anyone else's. Each person is welcome and responsible for finding their own path in whatever way they choose, and I am not here to convert anyone. Forcing religion on anyone is wrong and naturally is met with resistance as it should be.

I despise the hijacking of Christianity that *I* believe has occurred over the last decades. The Republicans figured out that religion was a hot button and emotional issue, and they have been successful at using it to divide people. Christianity is not about dividing; it is about uniting. I believe Talarico epitomizes that concept and that's why people respond to him. Like it or not, the majority of people in Texas have some form of Christian faith, especially those who vote. People liked that he didn't go horribly negative. They liked that he could quote book, chapter and verse in comebacks to Republican propaganda. And they liked his openness about his life and how he got to the point where he is today.

Most of us liked Jasmine Crockett, too, and it was a choice that wasn't the easiest. I believe she comes from a Baptist background. Talarico is Presbyterian.

That said, every Christian that I know will be the first to tell you that we all fail miserably on a daily basis at living up to the expectations of loving, etc. So he will definitely make mistakes.

But I ask that you give him a chance and just see what he can do. He's the candidate now, and what is the alternative? Paxton? I know we don't want to have that in November. The way to avoid that is for all of us to unite and support Talarico.

When Jasmine Crockett figures out what her next move will be, I fully expect to be supporting her in that endeavor.

[pat_k]

37. Have you seen his Oct 2023 sermon against Christian Nationalism?

If not, I highly recommend it it. Posted here: https://www.democraticunderground.com/100221071576#post13

[hamsterjill]

45. Yes, I have seen it.

Thanks.

[3catwoman3]

54. I despise the hijacking of Christianity that *I* believe has occurred over the last decades."

Well said.

If more people who proclaim themselves to be Christians would actually live their faith as Jimmy Carter did, as Joe Biden does, and as, by all indicators so far, Talarico does, people like me who explored Christianity and found it uncomfortably judgmental and exclusionary might not find it so off-putting.

I like what Mahatma Gandhi said so long ago -"I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ".

[luv2fly]

24. Yep, agree completely

We don't need any more "deeply religious" politicians who spew their mythical nonsense, even if they rail against those they label "fake Christians." At this point I suppose all we can do is hope for the best.

[pat_k]

39. Have you seen his sermon against Christian Nationalism?

If not, you might want to check it out before passing judgement.
https://www.democraticunderground.com/100221071576#post13

[TheProle]

34. The irony of stereotyping the winner

while complaining the loser fell victim to stereotyping is damn good internet.

[Skittles]

42. I don't think that is fair

Talarico for the most part is a bit of the unknown.

[TBF]

64. Honestly, I am so completely disgusted.

And folks complaining the loudest live nowhere near Texas. They have no idea what we are dealing with down here.

[bamagal62]

36. I have a friend who has worked

on several democratic campaigns. She was on the Texas staff for Kamala Harris.
Lives in Austin. Still politically employed in Austin. This is a media, behind the scenes, grass roots person. Huge Talarico supporter. She has worked with him on several occasions and really likes him a lot. (Gen Z)

[Skittles]

40. I hear you

I absolutely detest holy roller delusions. But, they do play well in Texas.

[Cha]

44. Is there any other reason you'[re

not sure he's the real deal besides the way he looks?

I wanted Jasmine to win, too..

And I didn't know anything about him until last week someone had a video of his really... I liked what he was saying until he said ".. National Dem leaders aren't fighters"..

My view is.. we need Unity not Division.. I was told that tha's the way one needed t talk in Texas.

I'm so Grateful Jasmine Crockett came out with her Unity Tweet! I was crying it's so Perfect and Just What We Need!

I'm going to watch JT's sermon now in your thread. ... and anyway I'm all behind him now.. he's our Dem Candidate for Senator from Texas!

[LearnedHand]

48. Right there with you

The very last thing Texas or the country needs is another preacher involved in politics. I know he’s “one of the good ones,” but I hope to hell he remembers who his constituents are, especially those of different or no religion.

[3catwoman3]

50. I think he is what I have come to call a Jimmy Carter or Joe Biden Christian. Or John Fugelsang.

Walks the walk very sincerely, without being preachy or hypocritical. I like him so far.

[Wiz Imp]

51. Sheesh. It takes like 5 seconds to google his background/positions/accomplishments.

He would immediately be one of the most progressive members of the Senate if elected.

Opposition to Christian nationalism
Talarico is an outspoken critic of Christian nationalism, calling it "a cancer on our religion", and has often said "there's nothing Christian about Christian nationalism". He has cited his faith and the teachings of Jesus, especially the commandment to love God and one's neighbor, as the reason for launching his political career. He has called politics "another word for how we treat our neighbors".

Talarico has called Christian nationalism "the worship of power—social power, economic power, political power, in the name of Christ" and has said Christian nationalists have turned Jesus "into a gun-toting, gay-bashing, science-denying, money-loving, fear-mongering fascist", arguing that it is "incumbent on all Christians to confront it and denounce it" in a 2023 guest sermon that has more than a million views on YouTube.

Cannabis
Talarico has advocated for the legalization, regulation, and taxation of cannabis and THC products. In March 2021, Talarico introduced House Bill 4089 to legalize adult cannabis use and provide for the expungement of past convictions. During the 2025 legislative session, he opposed Senate Bill 3, which sought to ban most hemp-derived THC products. Talarico argued that the ban would undermine the state industry and shift consumers toward unregulated markets.

Congressional reform
Talarico has advocated for imposing term limits for members of Congress, banning congressional stock trading, and banning partisan gerrymandering.
Talarico supports the elimination of the filibuster in the United States Senate.

Healthcare
Talarico supports healthcare reform and universal healthcare as a human right. He supports making buy-in Medicare or a public health insurance option available to every American, calling his healthcare plan "Medicare for Y'all".

Immigration
Talarico believes that immigration policy in the United States should be to "treat our southern border like our front porch. We should have a giant welcome mat out front, and we should have the lock on the door."

Israel and Palestine
Talarico supports a two-state solution to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. He has condemned what he called Israel's "atrocities in Palestine" and "war crimes" and has criticized its role in the Gaza Strip famine. He opposes offensive U.S. aid to Israel and supports banning the sale of offensive weapons to Israel. Talarico is a critic of the pro-Israel lobby group AIPAC. He criticized Democrats for supporting Israel's war in Gaza during the 2024 presidential election. He called the war "the moral test of our time".

LGBTQ+ rights
Talarico supports LGBTQ rights and access to gender-affirming care for minors.

Supreme Court
Talarico supports Supreme Court reform, saying he is open to increasing the number of justices on the court. He also wants term limits and an enforceable code of ethics for the justices.

Talarico launched his campaign for the Texas House shortly after incumbent state legislator Larry Gonzales chose not to run for reelection. At age 28, Talarico won both the special and general elections against Republican nominee Cynthia Flores, garnering media attention for walking the full length of the district.

In the 86th Texas Legislature, Talarico filed the Whole Student Agenda, a legislative package with bills addressing public education policy. Two bills from this list were passed by the legislature: HB 3012, which required students who were suspended from school have an alternative means of receiving coursework, and HB 455, which would standardize a model recess policy. Governor Abbott vetoed HB 455.

During the 87th legislative session, Talarico filed HB 54, also known as Javier Ambler's Law, and the legislature passed it. It prohibits state law enforcement agencies, except game wardens, from entering into contracts with reality TV shows that film them in the line of duty. This was in response to the role Live PD is alleged to have played in the killing of Javier Ambler by Williamson County, Texas police. Talarico had previously criticized Sheriff Robert Chody's handling of the incident, calling for his resignation.

Talarico was the primary author of HB 30, which provided a path for minors in the criminal justice system who have been adjudicated as adults or who are eligible under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to earn a high school diploma instead of pursuing a high school equivalency.

Talarico was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes during a five-day stint in the ICU after a 2018 campaign event where he walked 25 miles (40 km) across his district. After his diagnosis, he paid $684 for his first 30-day supply of insulin. Talarico later helped pass House Bill 82, capping insulin costs at $25 per month.

In the summer of 2021, Democrats in the Texas House of Representatives, including Talarico, organized a quorum-break in an attempt to stop the passage of legislation they saw as restricting voting rights. They flew to Washington, D.C., to lobby the Senate to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and the For the People Act, which would have superseded parts of the state legislation.

At the end of the legislative session, Texas Monthly magazine named Talarico one of the Top 10 Best Legislators.

During the 88th legislative session, Talarico was the primary author of House Bill 25, which would create the Texas Wholesale Prescription Drug Importation Program and allow Texas to import lower-cost Canadian medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Talarico was an outspoken critic of legislation that would have required the display of the Ten Commandments in all elementary and secondary classrooms, on the constitutional grounds of separation of church and state. He called the measure "un-American" and "un-Christian". The bill was not signed into law.

In 2025, Talarico continued to be a major voice in opposition to placing the Ten Commandments in Texas public schools. The specific legislation, SB 10, required every classroom to visibly display a poster containing the Ten Commandments, sized at least 16 by 20 inches. When the bill was first brought to the floor of the Texas House, Talarico called a point of order that delayed its passage. The bill ultimately passed the legislature, but videos of his remarks against it went viral and led to an appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience.

During the legislative debate over private school vouchers, Talarico, who opposed the legislation, attempted to amend the bill to have a statewide referendum determine whether the program would go into effect. The legislation passed and was signed into law without the amendment.

In August 2025, Talarico was one of 51 Democratic Texas House members who broke quorum to delay the passage of mid-decade new congressional maps. While he was absent from the state, Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit to expel Talarico and 12 other representatives from the House by declaring their seats vacant. Talarico and the others named in the suit returned to the state before the Texas Supreme Court ruled in the case.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Talarico

[mwmisses4289]

109. Hhhmmm....

Nothing in there about supporting a women's right to abortion.
reservation number 1.

[Wiz Imp]

112. 🙄🙄🙄Would it kill you to take a couple seconds to google?

https://choicetracker.org/tx/people/james-talarico/82771968#:~:text=Voted%20No%20on%20SB%204,Review%20Bill

James sponsored a House Joint Resolution proposing a constitutional amendment to protect the right to abortion.

Sponsored HB 819
James sponsored a bill that prevents the prosecution of pregnant individuals (vs. women, under the current law) who receive an abortion. It also repeals pre-Roe laws banning abortion.

Voted No on SB 4
James voted against a bill that bans all medication abortions after 7 weeks. It would also prevent the mailing of medication abortion drugs and add medically unnecessary reporting requirements for providers.

Voted No on HB 1280
James voted against a bill that creates harsh criminal penalties for providers who perform or aid abortions at all stages of pregnancy.

Voted No on SB 8
James voted against a bill that bans all abortions after 6 weeks, and authorizes citizens to enforce it. It includes exceptions only for medical emergencies.

Link to tweet

[orleans]

52. i saw him interviewed by colbert

that was the only time i watched him

i'm not a fan of the uber religious politicians and this was a turn off for me (but might give him an edge in the general in texasland)

the other thing that bothered me about him -- and it was just a feeling i got, an impression but he doesn't seem to be a fighter; imo he came off very passive, wants to get along too much and i could just imagine him going along with trump and republicans on a lot of their shit. kind of like the way fetterman turned out. (no fire in his belly -- as the expression goes)

(i wanted to see jasmine win too but understand it would have been too hard for to win that state)

[PeaceWave]

53. Simply put, not all Christians are alike. When Talarico speaks about his mother...

I get the impression that he is deeply sympathetic of the plight of women and, in particular, single mothers. Talarico has also clearly articulated that his interpretations of the Bible actually support women's rights and, in particular, their reproductive freedom. For some folks, this is a new breed of cat...An intelligent, empathetic, caring Christian. They exist though. I feel bad that your life experience has yet to introduce you to any. But, then, along came Talarico. And, now, it's in your hands whether you want to make a leap of faith and vote for him.

[walkingman]

55. If any Dem can beat Cornyn/Paxton in Texas Talarico is the best chance we have had in a long time.

I have been listening to him in the Texas Legislature for a while and he is the real thing. He know how to work the system and even has some progressive bones. I also think his brand of religion is not repulsive and that is saying a lot in a Bible Belt State.

I will admit that the religion thing makes me a little nervous because I simply do not think religion in government is a bad thing.....of any kind.

His character, his whiteness, his Hispanic roots, his verbal skills are all big pluses....

SHOCK THE WORLD!!

[In It to Win It]

56. Texas will disappoint me for the rest of my life

[yellowdogintexas]

57. Listen to what he says. Believe what he says. He is NOTHING like those charlatans.

Watch videos of him in action against Republicans in the Texas Legislature. He can back those people into a corner before they even know what hit them, and he never raises his voice.

Watch this YouTube video

and this one

He believes 100% in the Constitutional separation of church and state, and even gives guest sermons about the dangers of Christian Nationalism . He is for treating everyone in the same way that Christ describes in Matthew 25.

He confirms that the division in America is not left and right It is top vs bottom.

Remember Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock is also a reknowned Baptist Minister (MLK's Church in Atlanta in fact)

[calimary]

61. These reviews are MOST interesting to me!

I don’t know a lot about Talarico yet, and this is good stuff to see.

[summer_in_TX]

58. Talarico was first elected to the Texas House in 2018.

He serves as
Vice Chair of the Trade, Workforce, and Economic Development Committee
Vice Chair of the Subcommittee on Academic and Career-Oriented Education
Member of the Public Education Committee
Member of the House Administration Committee
Member of the Calendars Committee

He has been lead sponsor on major bills, 16 of which have become law. He passed a price cap on insulin (he is a Type 1 diabetic himself). His legislation has focused on education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for Texans. In a Republican-dominated Texas legislature, the fact that he has gotten so much done is remarkable.

A House colleague (Erin Zwiener) who was also elected in 2018 says he's a workhorse, but also a great communicator. Her tweets would maybe get a couple of hundred retweets, while his regularly got a few thousands. His videos regularly go viral.

[TBF]

62. He is our best chance to win a state-wide seat in Texas -

and why this is so hard for some on DU to understand is depressing. Do you want to have a chance at controlling the Senate or not?

[niyad]

88. And some of us do not understand why it is so hard for some people

to understand deep concern about constant praising references to a candidate's religiosity, in the supposedly secular venue of governance. He may be the best chance of winning this race, but if that "best chance" is based in large measure on his religiosity, one may indeed have concerns about the rather pronounced move to theocracy that we are witnessing.

[H2O Man]

68. Recommended.

I really do not know enough about him. Jasmine Crockett is exactly my type of politician, and I assumed -- until the last week -- that Democrats would recognize her value. I do not think that we have heard the last from her. I think she should be seriously considered as being the VP on our '28 ticket, as I think that the most important regions outside of Texas appreciate her. I'm an old Irishman, in rural upstate New York. And for the last year, she has been the most popular politician among those I know.

[Betty Boom]

73. I find his religiosity offputting.

He looks like every youth minister ive ever seen. so if I ever was in a situation where I had to vote for him, it would be despite that instead of because of that. That said, I recognize that he’s a very skilled politician, and I do know that in Texas, especially there are huge numbers of people that he will be able to sway because of the constant biblical references.

[summer_in_TX]

80. My husband and I got to see Talarico in person last week at a student-organized event in San Marcos, home of Texas

State University.

His ability to connect with people is remarkable. In the relatively short time he spoke, he had women on each side of me wiping away tears – not because he'd told a sad story but because the empathy he expressed caused them to feel seen by him.

A friend met him at a Democratic event in my county and had a one-to-one conversation with him for several moments. He really touched her as well. When she got emotional he hugged her. He wasn't looking to be someplace, but focused on their conversation. He is genuinely kind.

We have had decades now of conservative Christian evangelists and Christian Nationalists trying to claim Jesus and painting a deeply unattractive picture of Christians. They're loud, insistent, dominate the airwaves. Anyone could be forgiven for having a completely negative view of Christianity. I once held that view myself. Yet, I was deeply moved by listening to Martin Luther King as a teenager and read many of his books. I didn't recognize then that he was deeply Christian in a very different sense than the narrow-minded, judgmental types I stereotyped Christians as. I guess I thought MLK was an anomaly.

In reality these Christian Nationalists and other RW Christians are defaming the character of Christ as revealed in the Gospels and other books of the New Testament.

For years I've hoped for the same kind of Christian as MLK, Rev. William Barber, and others who are public theologians capable of inspiring us and of countering and exposing the heresies being spouted by RW Christian Nationalists. I'm thrilled we may have on in the U.S. Senate if we are so lucky to elect Talarico to the U.S. Senate.

[PeaceWave]

84. Thank you for these observations. For some reason, a few folks here...

have chosen to not even give Talarico 24 hours to bask in his victory before criticizing him for his Christian faith. Which is weird when you think about it. Our party is composed of Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus and dozens of more faiths. Here is a young man who taps into his faith to successfully connect with people from all walks of life. He's doing a good thing, with a message of love and empathy, at a time when we're in short supply of these things in Washington.

[Scrivener7]

102. Really? Who is not giving him 24 hours to bask in his victory and criticizing him for his faith?

I don't see anyone stopping him from basking, and the OP and others who are objecting are objecting to the injection of religion into the political sphere, not his faith.

As a woman I have had terrible experiences with the vast majority of highly religious-sounding evangelical-type men I have interacted with. As a result I viscerally don't trust them.

He sounds good. He seems to walk the walk. You know as well as I do that he is a rare beast to do that, especially among politicians. As such I wish him well.

But no one is impeding his ability to celebrate or criticizing him for his faith. It is the very obvious lack of faith of every other politician who makes religion a centerpiece of their image that gives people pause when presented with another politician making religion a centerpiece of his image.

[Deminpenn]

93. Rev Warnock will have company if Talarico is elected

[niyad]

82. One opinion piece that was posted on DU earlier today gushed about

how he is "religiously fluent, and faith-forward". As I said then, this gave me chills, because we are not yet, at least as far as I am aware, a complete theocracy. Separation of church and state, anyone?

[ForeGoneLegsBirne]

83. We Democrats HAVE to Get Used to Contesting Again

I hear ya. I'd have preferred a shot at the seat for Jasmine, but I've liked what I've seen of Talarico & while maybe he's a salesman I think he's at least a good one. After the "frying pan" to the "fire" of 2016 & 2024 where Democrats did away with that pesky RUN a campaign thing for presidential contests. I'm all for getting our team BACK in the business of CONTESTING positions & seats and the discomfort of having to accept that competitive argumentive processes MUST be part of the process again. We have to agree to disagree... accept that we don't always win but once the decision is made, we register our disappointment, then we go with the one we've got.

[retread]

95. It is difficult to believe, especially in these times. However, because I remember the Berrigan Brothers

there remains a faint hope.

[SocialDemocrat61]

98. I understand your concerns

but at this point what is the alternative? He’s still a better choice than either of the republicans. And if he wins let’s give him a chance and hopefully he’ll be a good senator for Texas.

[sop]

101. I'll worry when he starts wearing shorts and hooded sweatshirts.

[displacedvermoter]

107. It will be kinda late at that point.

[Tribetime]

103. Did you watch his sheech last night?

I was truly impressed his message sounded to me like Bernie Sanders. The billionaires are trying to pit us against each other and hate each other do we won't notice them picking our pockets.

[usedtobedemgurl]

108. I do not know a lot about him, but I wondered

When I think it was Dean Obeidallah said it was record breaking turnouts for Democrats voting …. And independents and repubes. That caught my attention. I honestly wondered if maybe there was not a lot of voting for what the other side considered the lesser candidate. I do not trust the other side as far as I can throw them.

[Wiz Imp]

113. Republicans made it absolutely clear they believed Crockett would be much easier to beat

in the general election.

[geojazz]

110. Really can't deal with the "barefoot rabbi" stuff!!

[bigtree]

111. just vote for the Dem nominee

...get the majority and sort all of that out later.

The voters have spoken and we need to move forward to elect James.

[Quiet Em]

115. I don't have any problems with James Talarico.

I would have preferred Jasmine Crockett, but I'm not a Texan.

James seems like a nice guy. He's genuine, honest, and he's on the correct side of all the issues.