James Talarico

American politician (born 1989)

James Talarico

Talarico in 2025

Member of the Texas House of Representatives

Incumbent

Assumed office
January 10, 2023
Preceded by| Celia Israel
Constituency| 50th district
In office
November 19, 2018 – January 10, 2023
Preceded by| Larry Gonzales
Succeeded by| Caroline Harris (redistricted)
Constituency| 52nd district
Personal details
Born|

James Dell Talarico

(1989-05-17) May 17, 1989 (age 36)
Round Rock, Texas, U.S.
Political party| Democratic
Education| University of Texas, Austin (BA)
Harvard University (Ed.M)
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary (MDiv)
Signature|

James Dell Talarico (born May 17, 1989) is an American politician, pastor and former teacher.[1] He was elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 2018 to represent district 52, which includes the cities of Round Rock, Taylor, Hutto, and Georgetown in Williamson County. Following the 2020 redistricting cycle, Talarico announced his run for a seat in District 50 in 2022, which he won. He is a member of the Democratic Party and has been called a rising force among Texas Democrats.[2][3][4][5]

Talarico currently serves on the Texas House of Representatives' Public Education Committee, Calendars Committee, and Juvenile Justice and Family Issues Committee.[6]

## Early life and education

[edit]

Talarico was born at Round Rock Hospital in Williamson County, Texas, to Tamara Causey, a single mother.[7] He was later adopted by Mark Talarico. He has a younger sister. He attended Round Rock ISD schools and graduated from McNeil High School in Williamson County.

His grandfather was a Baptist preacher in South Texas who he says taught him that Christianity is a simple — though not easy — religion, rooted in two commandments: "love God and love your neighbor".[2]

Talarico earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in government from the University of Texas at Austin,[8] where he organized students for tuition relief.[9] Talarico was a member of the Friar Society, the University of Texas's oldest honor society.[10] He later earned a Master of Education degree in education policy from Harvard University.[11]

In August 2022, while a member of the Texas House of Representatives, Talarico began pursuing a Master of Divinity at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, which he is set to complete in 2025.[12]

## Career

[edit]

In 2011, Talarico joined Teach For America, teaching sixth grade English language arts at Rhodes Middle School on the west side of San Antonio.[13] After two years in the classroom, Talarico became the Central Texas executive director for Reasoning Mind, a Texas nonprofit focusing on bringing technology to low-income classrooms.[citation needed]

## Texas House of Representatives

[edit]

### 2018

[edit]

Talarico launched his campaign for the Texas House shortly after incumbent state legislator Larry Gonzales announced his retirement. At 28, Talarico won both the special and general elections against Republican Cynthia Flores in 2018,[14] garnering media attention for walking the full length of the district.[15]

Talarico was sworn into the Texas House of Representatives on November 20, 2018. He was appointed to the Public Education and Juvenile Justice Committees. As of 2019, he was the youngest member of the Texas Legislature.[16]

In the 86th Texas Legislature, he filed the Whole Student Agenda,[13] a legislative package with bills addressing public education policy. As a member of the Public Education Committee, he helped draft House Bill 3, which contained $11.6 billion in funds for school finance and property tax reform.[17]

During Talarico's first term, a recording of Texas House Speaker Dennis Bonnen was leaked by Michael Quinn Sullivan of the conservative advocacy group Empower Texans. In it, Bonnen claimed he had recruited a challenger for "that Talarico kid."[18]

### 2020

[edit]

Talarico won re-election against former Hutto City Councilmember Lucio Valdez with 51.5 percent of the vote.[19] For the 87th Legislative Session, he was reappointed to the Public Education and Juvenile Justice Committees and appointed to the Calendars committee.[20]

During the 87th legislative session, he filed Javier Ambler's Law, demanding an end to police contracts with reality TV shows,[21] in response to the role Live PD is alleged to have played in the killing of Javier Ambler by Williamson County police. He had previously criticized Sheriff Robert Chody's handling of the incident, calling for his resignation.[22]

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 across his district. After his diagnoses, he discovered that insulin can cost around $700 per month for Americans. He supported the passage of a bill that capped insulin prices at $25 per month.[23][24]

At the end of the legislative session, he was named one of the Top 10 Best Legislators by Texas Monthly magazine.[25]

### 2022

[edit]

After his district was made significantly more Republican during the 2020 redistricting process, Talarico announced that he would run in the neighboring House District 50, a safe Democratic seat being vacated by Rep. Celia Israel.[26][27][28] His previous district was a swing district.[5]

He won the primary election with 78.5 percent of the vote and won the general election with 76.8 percent of the vote.[29]

During the 88th legislative session, he supported House Bill 25, which would create the Texas Wholesale Prescription Drug Importation Program and allow Texas to import lower-cost Canadian medications that are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.[30]

Talarico was an outspoken critic of SB 1515 on the constitutional grounds of separation of church and state, which sought to have the Ten Commandments displayed in a "conspicuous place" in elementary and secondary classrooms.[31] The bill was declared dead in May 2023.[32]

### 2024

[edit]

Talarico defeated Nathan Boynton in the Democratic primary and was unopposed in the general election. In 2025, he gained further prominence after videos featuring Talarico arguing against a bill that would place the Ten Commandments in Texas public schools led to an appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience.[33] He has publicly expressed interest in running for the U.S. Senate in 2026.[34]

## Electoral history

[edit]

Texas House District 52 Democratic primary, 2018  Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Democratic | James Talarico  | 7,499  | 100
Total votes | 7,499  | 100.0
Texas House District 52 special general election, 2018  Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Democratic | James Talarico  | 32,235  | 50.9
| Republican | Cynthia Flores  | 31,113  | 49.1
Total votes | 63,348  | 100.0
Texas House District 52 general election, 2018  Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Democratic | James Talarico  | 36,798  | 51.7
| Republican | Cynthia Flores  | 34,340  | 48.3
Total votes | 71,138  | 100.0
Texas House District 52 Democratic primary, 2020  Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Democratic | James Talarico (incumbent)  | 17,888  | 100
Total votes | 17,888  | 100.0
Texas House District 52 general election, 2020  Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Democratic | James Talarico (incumbent)  | 50,520  | 51.5
| Republican | Lucio Valdez  | 47,611  | 48.5
Total votes | 98,131  | 100.0
Texas House District 50 Democratic primary, 2022  Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Democratic | James Talarico  | 9,117  | 78.5
| Democratic | David Alcorta  | 2,497  | 21.5
Total votes | 11,614  | 100.0
Texas House District 50 general election, 2022  Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Democratic | James Talarico  | 36,881  | 76.9
| Republican | Victor Johnson  | 9,718  | 20.3
| Libertarian | Ted Brown  | 1,392  | 2.9
Total votes | 47,991  | 100.0
Texas House District 50 Democratic primary, 2024  Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Democratic | James Talarico (incumbent)  | 8,015  | 84.4
| Democratic | Nathan Boynton  | 1,478  | 15.6
Total votes | 9,493  | 100.0
Texas House District 50 general election, 2024  Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Democratic | James Talarico (incumbent)  | 48,289  | 100
Total votes | 48,289  | 100.0

## Personal life and faith

[edit]

Talarico is a "deeply religious" Christian, and was raised Presbyterian.[3][12] He is active in St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Austin.[35]

He is an outspoken critic of Christian nationalism and has called it "a cancer on our religion."[36] He has cited his faith and the teachings of Jesus, especially the commandment to love one's God and neighbor, as the reason for launching his political career. He describes politics as "another word for how we treat our neighbors."[2]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ A growing list of Democrats are eying a U.S. Senate run in Texas.
2. ^ a b c Kutz, Anna. "Rising Texas Democrat: 'Jesus is the reason I'm in politics'". NewsNation.
3. ^ a b "He's Deeply Religious and a Democrat. He Might Be the Next Big Thing in Texas Politics". POLITICO. June 16, 2023. Retrieved April 20, 2025.
4. ^ Goodman, J. David (June 23, 2025). "Terry Virts, Former Astronaut, Announces Texas Senate Run". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved June 24, 2025. "Among those weighing a run are Colin Allred, a former congressman from Dallas who ran unsuccessfully against Senator Ted Cruz last year; Beto O'Rourke, another former House member who nearly defeated Mr. Cruz in 2018; and a State House representative from Austin, James Talarico, who is seen as a rising force among Texas Democrats."
5. ^ a b https://cw39.com/news/texas-politics/beto-orourke-talks-democratic-strategy-ahead-of-2026-midterms/
6. ^ Stone, Richard. "Talarico wins seat on Pub Ed Committee". Taylor Press. Retrieved January 27, 2020.
7. ^ "He's Deeply Religious and a Democrat. He Might Be the Next Big Thing in Texas Politics". POLITICO. June 16, 2023. Retrieved July 20, 2025.
8. ^ "Freshman lawmakers Jon Rosenthal, James Talarico reflect on how UT impacted their future - The Daily Texan". www.dailytexanonline.com. Retrieved January 27, 2020.
9. ^ Smithson, Cate (February 26, 2009). "University of Texas Grapples With Tuition, Funding". ABC News. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
10. ^ "Alumni". Friar Society. Archived from the original on June 11, 2021.
11. ^ Sanders, Austin (January 4, 2019). "Rep. James Talarico on the 86th Texas Legislature". Austin Chronicle. Retrieved January 27, 2020.
12. ^ a b Wren, Adam (June 16, 2023). "He's Deeply Religious and a Democrat. He Might Be the Next Big Thing in Texas Politics". POLITICO. Retrieved June 17, 2023.
13. ^ a b McNeel, Bekah (April 30, 2019). "Texas's 'Whole Student Agenda': How a Former Teacher Is Using His Legislative Seat to Push 24 New Bills Supporting Sex Ed, Mental Health, Restorative Justice & More". The 74. Retrieved January 27, 2020.
14. ^ "Texas House of Representatives District 52". Ballotpedia. Retrieved August 21, 2019.
15. ^ "Texas House candidate James Talarico takes campaign to the streets". Austin American-Statesman.
16. ^ Samuels, Alex (January 8, 2019). "James Talarico, youngest state representative in Texas Legislature, settles in for the 86th session". Texas Tribune. Retrieved May 7, 2023.
17. ^ Svitek, Patrick (June 11, 2019). "Gov. Greg Abbott signs $11.6 billion school finance measure into law". The Texas Tribune.
18. ^ Samuels, Alexa Ura and Alex (October 15, 2019). ""This is all confidential": Key excerpts from secret recording of House Speaker Dennis Bonnen". The Texas Tribune.
19. ^ "Incumbent Talarico defeats challenger Valdez for Texas House District 52". KXAN. November 4, 2020.
20. ^ "Texas House of Representatives". Texas House of Representatives.
21. ^ Ford, Brittany; Bontke, Jordan (November 10, 2020). "New Williamson CO. Sheriff reacts to bill that would ban police contracts with reality tv". KEYE.
22. ^ "State Rep. James Talarico joins calls for Williamson County Sheriff Robert Chody to resign". FOX 7 Austin. June 9, 2020. Retrieved May 7, 2023.
23. ^ "'This disease affects anyone' – Diabetic emergency leads to Texas Rep. James Talarico's bill to cap insulin costs". KXAN Austin. April 11, 2021. Retrieved September 12, 2023.
24. ^ "Talarico reveals he has diabetes while introducing insulin legislation". FOX 7 Austin. April 6, 2021. Retrieved September 12, 2023.
25. ^ Hooks, Christopher; Ratcliffe, R.G.; Zelinski, Andrea (June 15, 2021). "2021: The Best and Worst Legislators". Texas Monthly. Retrieved September 12, 2023.
26. ^ Svitek, Patrick (October 13, 2021). "After his Round Rock district was redrawn to help Republicans, state Rep. James Talarico says he'll move to Austin to run in 2022". kxan. Retrieved February 4, 2022.
27. ^ Isgur, Dorothy (October 15, 2021). "Rep. Talarico blames 'racist gerrymandering' for causing move to new House district". kxan. Retrieved February 7, 2022.
28. ^ Johnson, Brad (October 15, 2021). "The Back Mic: Democrat Moves After Redistricting, New Legislator Off to Fast Start, Approval of University Spending Requested". The Texan. Retrieved February 4, 2022.
29. ^ "James Talarico". Ballotpedia. Retrieved September 12, 2023.
30. ^ "Bill to allow low-cost prescription drug imports from Canada headed to Gov. Abbott's desk". kvue.com. May 23, 2023. Retrieved September 12, 2023.
31. ^ "Texas bill promoting Ten Commandments in public classrooms poses complex legal questions". Austin American-Statesman. Retrieved September 12, 2023.
32. ^ Killough, Ashley; Burnside, Tina (May 24, 2023). "A bill that would have required Texas public schools to display the Ten Commandments has failed". CNN. Retrieved August 3, 2024.
33. ^ "Joe Rogan's Latest Guest Might Turn Texas Blue". POLITICO. July 19, 2025. Retrieved July 19, 2025.
34. ^ "Joe Rogan's Latest Guest Might Turn Texas Blue". POLITICO. July 19, 2025. Retrieved July 19, 2025.
35. ^ Nash, Craig (February 12, 2024). "From the Sanctuary to the Streets | A Conversation with James Talarico". Good Faith Media. Retrieved July 5, 2024.
36. ^ Talarico, James (October 22, 2023). "James Talarico Delivers Sermon Against Christian Nationalism". YouTube. Retrieved September 18, 2024.

## External links

[edit]

* James Talarico – Texas House website
* James Talarico – Campaign website

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Members of the Texas House of Representatives

89th Texas Legislature (2025)

Speaker of the House
Dustin Burrows (R)
Speaker pro tempore
Joe Moody (D)

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32. ▌Todd Ames Hunter (R)
33. ▌Katrina Pierson (R)
34. ▌Denise Villalobos (R)
35. ▌Oscar Longoria (D)
36. ▌Sergio Muñoz Jr. (D)
37. ▌Janie Lopez (R)
38. ▌Erin Gamez (D)
39. ▌Armando Martinez (D)
40. ▌Terry Canales (D)
41. ▌Robert Guerra (D)
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82. ▌Tom Craddick (R)
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91. ▌David Lowe (R)
92. ▌Salman Bhojani (D)
93. ▌Nate Schatzline (R)
94. ▌Tony Tinderholt (R)
95. ▌Nicole Collier (D)
96. ▌David Cook (R)
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