James Talarico: A New Kind of Democrat

Written by Jiwoo Park

Named one of the top 10 best legislators in Texas by Texas Monthly, James Talarico is redefining the relationship between faith and politics. The 36-year-old representative was born to a hardworking single mother who is also the daughter of a preacher. With religion surrounding his life from a young age, Talarico grew up with Christianity as an integral part of his moral framework. Later in life, he studied at the Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary where he earned a formal theological education. Openly identifying as a Christian Democrat, Talarico represents a progressive Christian viewpoint with focuses on compassion, justice, equality, and inclusion. 

Today, religion is often weaponized and used as a political tool. In Texas especially, GOP leadership has passed or proposed various bills that increase religion displays in public schools (allowing prayers in schools, allowing chaplains, etc.), and Governor Greg Abbott has signed laws like the Pastor Protection Act, which allows clergy to refuse to marry same-sex couples. Religion is used to justify restrictive laws, demonize opponents, and appeal to Christian nationalism, leaving many skeptical of faith’s coexistence with politics. 

In this time of heightened skepticism, Talarico, a devout Christian, openly discusses his faith. Often quoting passages from the Bible and using his faith to define his political identity, Talarico’s approach to politics contrasts from that of other politicians. Talarico has quoted “love thy neighbor as thyself” on many different occasions to support immigration reform and LGBTQ+ rights policies, and he refreshingly calls out politicians pushing for Christian nationalist agendas. Notably, he strongly opposed the idea of mandating the posting of the Ten Commandments in public classrooms, calling it unconstitutional, un-American, and “deeply un-Christian.” Talarico’s faith is a critical part of his beliefs and politics, but his interpretation of it makes him a revitalizing figure in modern politics. 

Beyond his religious background, Talarico also worked as a middle school language arts teacher in a impoverished, Mexican-American community in San Antonio. As a teacher, he saw his students struggle to overcome poverty and systems deliberately designed to set them back. Observing how state policies constrained young children, his classroom experience grew to become the core of his political agenda. Now sitting on the Public Education Committee, the Juvenile Justice and Family Issues Committee, and the Calendars Committee, Talarico fights for education reform and equity issues on a state-wide and national level.

As a representative, Talarico helped write the most significant reform to the state’s school finance system in 20 years. He passed legislation to open up millions of dollars for student mental health and character education programs, established the first cap on Pre-K class sizes, and improved the quality and affordability of child care. Pulling from his experience as a type 1 diabetic, he also passed legislation to cap insulin copays at $25 a month and import low-cost prescription drugs from Canada. Moreover, Talarico passed laws to combat teen fentanyl overdoes, ban reality TV policing, increase accountability within state departments, and much more. His accomplishments as an active representative are listless, and his career has been remarkably successful. 

Now, Talarico is looking beyond the House. With a commitment to the 2026 Texas Senate race, Talarico faces new challenges, strategies, and a growing national spotlight. Centering his campaign on America’s broken and corrupt system, particularly on limiting billionaires’ wealth and influence, Talarico is rallying millions of citizens. Aiming to confront “billionaire mega-donors and their puppet politicians,” he emphasizes unity across different parties, race, gender, and religion. 

Talarico’s campaign is a calculated blend of social media presence, traditional media presence, and in-person meetings. With over 1.6 million followers on social media and $6.2 million donated in the first three weeks of his campaign, Talarico’s momentum is unmatched. If his campaign continues on this path to success, he will become the first Democrat to win statewide in Texas in over 30 years. 

In an era characterized by deep division and distrust, Talarico stands out as a rare voice. He is one who bridges faith and progress. Whether or not his Senate bid succeeds, his movement represents a beacon of hope for Texas politics: one rooted in love for one’s neighbor and belief in a better future.