Who Is James Talarico? About the Texas Rep Who Won the 2026 Primary Election

[ad_1] <img width="384" height="216" src="https://hollywoodlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/GettyImages-2234583921-e1771424848839.jpg?resize=384%2C216" class="attachment-hl-384x216-tc size-hl-384x216-tc wp-post-image" alt="Who Is James Talarico? About the Texas Rep Who Stephen Colbert Had on His Show" srcset="https://hollywoodlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/GettyImages-2234583921-e1771424848839.jpg?resize=384%2C216 384w, https://hollywoodlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/GettyImages-2234583921-e1771424848839.jpg?resize=768%2C432 768w, https://hollywoodlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/GettyImages-2234583921-e1771424848839.jpg?resize=1536%2C864 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 670px" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high"/> Picture Credit score: Getty Pictures Texas state Rep. James Talarico drew nationwide consideration after his interview with The Late Present with Stephen Colbert didn't air on CBS as initially deliberate in February. The community cited considerations that broadcasting the section might set off the Federal Communications Fee’s equal-time rule for political candidates, a call that sparked debate about media guidelines and political protection as early voting started in Texas’ 2026 Senate race, which Talarico gained in March.

In a press release, CBS mentioned, “The Late Present was not prohibited by CBS from broadcasting the interview with Rep. James Talarico. The present was offered authorized steering that the published might set off the FCC equal time rule for 2 different candidates, together with Rep. Jasmine Crockett, and introduced choices for a way the equal time for different candidates might be fulfilled. The Late Present determined to current the interview via its YouTube channel with on-air promotion on the published slightly than doubtlessly offering the equal time choices.”

The interview was in the end launched on-line, the place it rapidly gained traction and additional elevated Talarico’s profile throughout his Senate marketing campaign. Be taught extra about him beneath.

He Received the Texas Democratic Major Election in 2026 In September 2025, Talarico formally launched his marketing campaign for the 2026 U.S. Senate election in Texas, in search of the Democratic nomination in a aggressive major, the place he confronted U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett and different Democratic contenders.

Now that he’s secured the Democratic nomination, Talarico will advance to the overall election to face the Republican nominee. On the GOP aspect, incumbent Sen. John Cornyn is operating for reelection and faces a runoff election in opposition to Texas Legal professional Normal Ken Paxton. The race was some of the intently watched Senate contests of the 2026 cycle, as Democrats proceed to attempt to flip a statewide seat in Texas for the primary time in many years.

He Represents Texas within the State Home Talarico has served within the Texas Home of Representatives since 2018, representing a portion of Austin’s suburbs after transferring from Spherical Rock following redistricting. A Democrat, he’s turn out to be well-known for his progressive coverage deal with public training, voting rights, workforce improvement and opposition to conservative payments comparable to obligatory Ten Commandments shows in public colleges.

Regardless of continuously debating Republican colleagues on points involving faith in authorities, Talarico has been open about his Christian religion and has mentioned it informs his values.

He Beforehand Labored as a Public Faculty Instructor Born in Spherical Rock, Texas, Talarico grew up attending native public colleges earlier than incomes a Bachelor’s diploma in authorities from the College of Texas at Austin. He went on to obtain a Grasp of Schooling in training coverage from Harvard College and later pursued a Grasp of Divinity whereas serving within the legislature.

Earlier than getting into politics, Talarico spent two years as a public college instructor in a San Antonio center college, a formative expertise he says formed his views on training and fairness—themes central to his Senate marketing campaign. He later led an training nonprofit after which gained election to the Texas Home at age 29.