Democratic Texas state Sen. James Talarico is launching his Senate run in his home state next week, according to multiple reports.
Talarico came to prominence when Joe Rogan said he would be a good presidential candidate during an interview. A 36-year-old pastor, Talarico appealed to Rogan and Democrats with his uniting rhetoric.
“I think of politics now less as left versus right, and much more as top versus bottom. I just see how we are all pitted against each other,” he told Rogan. “If we recognize that we have far more in common than the stuff that divides us, that’s a threat to their power. It’s a threat to their wealth. That unity — loving your enemy — is not just morally good, it’s not just idealistic, it’s good strategic advice.”
He’s risen his profile since, making multiple appearances in the media as Texas Democrats unsuccessfully stalled the partisan redistricting of the state’s congressional districts by the GOP. The lawmaker previously told the Washington Examiner in July that he would look at Texas’s Senate race after the redistricting fight was over.
Talarico joins Rep. Colin Allred (D-TX) in the race. Allred lost against Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) 44.56% to Cruz’s 53.05% in the 2024 election. Former Rep. Beto O’Rourke is also considering a run.
The Republican field is cloudier than in 2024, as Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton aims to primary Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX). Paxton is considered more right-wing than Paxton, and Democrats believe their chance to win is better with him running.
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Democrats haven’t held a U.S. Senate seat in Texas for decades.
The Washington Examiner reached out to Talarico and his campaign.