The current state representative faces opposition both in his party and across the aisle, including current AG Paxton and incumbent John Cornyn.
SAN ANGELO, Texas — U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico held a rally at San Angelo’s Performing Arts Center – Brooks and Bates Theatre Oct. 9, giving potential voters a chance to meet him, as well as hear why he’s running for the seat.
In the race for incumbent Sen. John Cornyn’s seat, the current state representative faces off against party members, including former U.S Rep. Colin Allred and former astronaut Terry Virts, as well as current Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Sen. Cornyn on the other side of the ticket.
Republicans have claimed victory in every U.S Senate election in Texas since 1990 and an incumbent senator has not lost a primary since 1970. In his opening remarks, Tom Green County’s Democratic Party Chairman, John Mark Hogg, even compared Talarico’s campaign to David and Goliath – both within his party and in the overall race.
After his speech, attendees had a chance to speak with Talarico. When asked about what made him think he could take victory, Talarico credited his “underdog” nature, and added he’s “done this before.” He also referenced his willingness to work across the aisle.
“I first got elected to the State House by flipping a Trump district that hadn’t voted for a Democrat in 30 years, and I did that by earning the trust and the respect of my neighbors. Even my Republican neighbors,” Talarico told FOX West Texas. “They didn’t agree with me on every issue, but they knew that I would always be honest with them. They knew I would always fight for them, and they knew … I would always be accessible to them.”
The former San Antonio school teacher also noted that’s his message to the people of San Angelo, and added he believes the best policy is working together.
“One party rule, whether it’s Democrats or Republicans, always leads to extremism and corruption,” he said. “My party talks about turning Texas blue. Republicans talk about keeping Texas red. I honestly think the best color for Texas is purple, because that means that we have competitive elections, and that means politicians have to earn every vote.”
March 3, 2026 is the primary election and Texans will have the final say Nov. 3, 2026