Texas Senate Candidate James Talarico Faces Gun‑Control Scrutiny and Political Attacks

James Talarico, the Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate seat from Texas, has drawn attention for his gun‑control positions. In a 2020 interview he advocated for a ban on assault weapons, universal background checks, closing the gun‑show loophole and red‑flag laws, arguing that the Second Amendment permits reasonable restrictions. His legislative record includes votes against Texas’ constitutional‑carry law and against a bill limiting firearm‑specific merchant‑category codes.

During the 2026 Senate campaign, Republican opponents have targeted Talarico with personal attacks. Attorney General Ken Paxton and other GOP figures have labeled him “Tofu Talarico,” mocking alleged vegan or vegetarian habits stemming from a 2022 appearance with a humane‑legislation group. Talarico denies being a vegan and emphasizes his Texan background.

Talarico also hired Ana Lopez, a former leader of the “C‑ks Not Glocks” protest organization that distributed sex toys on a university campus to oppose concealed‑carry policies. Lopez is now assisting him in drafting gun‑policy proposals for his campaign.