James Dell Talarico (born May 17, 1989) is a rising Democratic leader, educator, and community advocate from Texas. Born and raised in the Austin area, Talarico grew up in a family shaped by economic challenge and resilience. These experiences deeply informed his commitment to public service. After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin and Harvard University (where he earned a Master’s in Education), he taught sixth-grade language arts at Rhodes Middle School on San Antonio’s West Side, one of the city’s most underserved neighborhoods. His time as a classroom teacher — working with students and families battling poverty and systemic inequity — helped shape his belief that public service should uplift every Texan’s opportunity to thrive.
In 2018, Talarico was elected to the Texas House of Representatives, representing Central Texas and quickly becoming known as a thoughtful, passionate voice for public education, economic fairness, and civic engagement. He has served on key committees including Trade, Workforce, and Economic Development, and he has been an outspoken advocate for public schools, affordable healthcare, and protections for civil liberties.
In September 2025, Talarico announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate, launching a statewide campaign to bring honest leadership and grassroots energy to Texas and to challenge entrenched billionaire influence in politics. His campaign emphasizes unity, faith-inspired values, and a people-centered approach to public policy.
Key Issue Stances & Priorities
- Fighting for Public Education and Teachers — Drawing on his background as a public school teacher, Talarico advocates for significantly better funding for public schools, support for educators, and policies that ensure every child — regardless of ZIP code — has access to quality education.
- Affordable Healthcare & Economic Fairness — He calls for healthcare reform that expands access and affordability, including options like a Medicare buy-in/public insurance choice, and economic policies that ease cost pressures on working families.
- Taking on Billionaire Influence & Corruption — Talarico’s Senate campaign frames itself as a fight against billionaire mega-donors and political corruption, arguing that big money rigs the system against everyday Texans. He emphasizes grassroots power as the antidote.
- Responsible, Compassionate Leadership Rooted in Faith — A devout Christian and Presbyterian seminarian, Talarico speaks openly about how his faith shapes his commitment to caring for neighbors and using politics to build community rather than sow division. He rejects Christian nationalism and champions inclusive, compassionate governance.
- Education & Workforce Development — Talarico has sponsored and supported legislation to expand job opportunities for young adults, reduce college costs, and strengthen workforce training — recognizing that education at all levels is key to long-term economic success.
Notable Accomplishments & Public Service
- Legislative Success as State Representative — Since 2018, Talarico has passed significant bills improving funding for Texas public schools, expanding childcare and educational access, and easing cost burdens on families.
- Voice Against Religious Mandates in Schools — He gained national attention for his principled stand against legislation requiring posting religious texts in public school classrooms, advocating for keeping faith personal rather than mandated policy.
- Grassroots Fundraising Power — Early in his Senate campaign, Talarico raised more than $6.2 million from small-dollar donors, demonstrating broad support and energy from citizens across the country.
- Champion for Working Texans — He has consistently spoken out against voucher programs that he says funnel public funds to wealthy interests, instead arguing that investment should go to public systems that serve all children equitably.
James Talarico’s candidacy represents both a generational and philosophical shift for Texas Democrats — one that blends progressive policy priorities with moral and faith-inspired leadership. Running for a seat Democrats haven’t won statewide in decades, his campaign seeks to broaden the Democratic coalition in Texas, mobilize voters across urban, suburban, and rural communities, and challenge entrenched political power structures.
Billionaires have taken over Texas and taken over America — but together, we can take power back for working people.
- James Talarico