James Talarico Courts Black Voters in Texas Senate Campaign

Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico has intensified outreach to Black voters across Texas, holding community conversations, church visits, and events at historically Black colleges such as Prairie View A&M and Paul Quinn College. Polling cited by the Texas Politics Project shows 67% of Black respondents favor Talarico, a higher share than previous Democratic Senate hopefuls at comparable campaign stages.

During a televised interview, Republican Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick mocked Talarico’s “manliness,” prompting a tongue‑in‑cheek exchange on the Morning Joe program. Talarico dismissed the remarks, arguing voters are tired of “professional wrestling” in politics and need leaders who can address the economy, lower grocery and gas prices, and raise wages.

The dual focus on grassroots engagement and a rebuke of partisan taunts underscores Talarico’s strategy to broaden support ahead of the November Senate election against Republican nominee Ken Paxton.