Texas Senate Candidate James Talarico Admits Dating Staffer While Paying Her Salary

James Talarico’s campaign initially told reporters that he and his chief of staff, Brianna Menard, only began a romantic relationship after she left his office. After months of denial, the campaign confirmed to the New York Times that the relationship started while Menard was still employed as his chief of staff, stating the three‑word revision “developed feelings for each other and started dating, she left the office.”

The admission raises ethical concerns because the relationship overlapped with Menard’s taxpayer‑funded position. Talarico also used his influence to secure Menard a subsequent chief‑of‑staff role for state Rep. Salman Bhojani, a position paid with public funds. The scandal follows earlier reports that Talarico had previously been involved with another Texas House staffer.