Texas Democrat James Talarico to Launch US Senate Bid, Challenge Allred: Reports

Texas state Representative James Talarico, a Democrat described as a rising star within his party, is preparing to launch a bid for the U.S. Senate, according to reports from CNN and Politico.

Three people familiar with his plans told Politico that the formal announcement is expected on Tuesday.

Newsweek has reached out to Talarico for comment via an online form on Friday.

Why It Matters

Talarico, known nationally for his sharp media presence, rose to prominence after he and fellow Democrats fled the state last month in an effort to block a Republican-backed redistricting plan that was backed by President Donald Trump. This spring, he appeared on Joe Rogan’s widely followed podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience.

According to Politico, Democrats see the contest as a critical test of whether the party can gain ground in a state long dominated by Republicans in next year’s midterm election. In last year’s presidential election, Trump won the Lone Star State by more than 13 percentage points against then Vice President Kamala Harris, a wider margin than his other two victories in the state in 2016 and 2020.

What To Know

Talarico will join an already competitive race that includes former Representative Colin Allred, a Texas Democrat, who announced his Senate campaign in July.

Newsweek also reached out to Allred for comment via email on Friday.

The Senate seat is currently held by GOP Senator John Cornyn who is seeking reelection. In April, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced he will challenge Cornyn in the Republican primary.

A poll taken last month by Texas Southern University’s Barbara Jordan Public Policy Research and Survey Center found that Paxton led by about five points over Cornyn.

The poll found that Allred held a seven-point lead over Talarico should the latter choose to run.

The poll surveyed 1,500 likely Democratic primary voters and 1,500 likely Republican primary voters between August 6 and 12 and had a margin of error of plus or minus 2.53 percentage points.

Who Is James Talarico?

Talarico, 36, serves as a representative for the northern Austin suburbs in the Texas House. He has served in the legislative body since 2018.

He’s also a pastor and a former educator.

Has Texas Ever Been Blue in a Presidential Election?

The last time a Democrat won the state of Texas in a presidential election was in 1976 when Jimmy Carter beat Gerald Ford.

What Happens Next?

The primary will be held on March 3, 2026.

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