government since shortly after he was elected 8 years ago.

broken through numerous times in the past 5 years. I guess it just depends on what you're seeing as I understand some media has ignored him. But progessive media has been giving him attention for a long time.

https://www.texasmonthly.com/news-politics/2021-the-best-and-worst-legislators/

https://www.the74million.org/article/inside-texass-whole-student-agenda-how-a-former-teacher-is-using-his-legislative-seat-to-push-24-new-bills-supporting-sex-ed-mental-health-restorative-justice-more/

https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/new-williamson-co-sheriff-reacts-to-bill-that-would-ban-police-contracts-with-reality-tv

https://www.kvue.com/article/news/politics/texas-legislature/bill-prescription-drug-imports-canada/269-4aaf808b-d427-4a86-b844-6317ce61c743

it just creeps me out. I am not a Texan so it's not anything i need to worry about . best of luck to Texas.

What creeps you out? That he's gotten major attention for years from progressive media? Wow. Some people here are determined to refuse to be happy with a fantastic progressive candidate for "reasons". Incredible.

He's impressive. He speaks the language I love Jasmine too but I've been saying since Cruz lost the NY primary in 2016 that political literacy STILL trump's raw energy in this game. Relying on Houston or part of Dallas to carry you all the way in Texas with a late start is asking for trouble. A reliable 85%+ black vote isn't gonna happen. Too many conservatives of every demographic.

It’s hardly comparable.

And half of Crockett's experience is at the state level as well. Plus he has served for twice as long. Regaardless, the original statement was blatantly false. He has almost twice the experience she does.

for only 140 days. It’s considered a part time job that only pays $7k per year. Not really comparable to the House of Representatives.

But even if it weren’t, how does one get experience to be qualified if service at the state level is “hardy comparable.” I get that Crockett’s supporters are disappointed, but that seems unreasonable. Do you thinkmall senatorial candidates need experience in the House first? I don’t. Barack Obama didn’t.

from 2021-2023, and national office since 2023. Slight difference.

That statement was and remains certifiably false. I have no idea why people are trying to argue the point. He has been a legislator for longer than she has. Period. Fact.

(The person who posted it even admitted they were wrong)

To all the people who keep saying "Crockett is more experienced" ... she is not.

Talarico has served in his current seat since 2018 (for 8 years.)

Crockett has served in her current seat since 2023 (for 3 years.)

They are both brilliant, outstanding people, but to say Talarico is "less experienced" is false. Crockett is less experienced.

If he's going to turn Texas blue, this cycle is going to be the one for it to happen.

I was on the fence between Rep. Crockett and Talarico. Talarico's pitch might work, more Democrats voted in the primary than Republicans, which for Texas is interesting.

Obama could speak like a preacher and people like that. I feel good about him. He seems moral and decent.

So so true that people like preacher-type talking style. I think it would do most dems good to go to preacher-talk lessons. Okay, maybe there is no such literal training, but surely there is something similar or just hoire and damn preacher to give instructions. In this critical time, there is really NO excuse for a politician to speak in the lame somnambulist speaking style that is WAY too common (hello Schumer).

Granted, for some politicians it would fall flat and appear false, which wouldn't help at all, but the training would help 95% of them at lease pick up some pointers. Just think about how many charismatic, persuasive politicians have a least a hint of that quality.

Clue phone to dem house and senate! I think I'll send them the suggestion. I mean, come on. There is no effing excuse for not upping their speaking style and persuasive power especially since many people vote on emotion rather than logic (see Donald J Scumbag). It would be such a simple upgrade towards our efforts to restore democracy.

officials is "preacher-style talk". That is an almost instant turn-off for me, knowing how easy it can be to manipulate some people's emotions to bypass whatever critical thinking skills they might have. So, my personal opinion is, NO. That is not to say that talarico or anybody with that style is manipulative, it is my first reaction until proven otherwise.


We are not YET a complete theocracy.

Especially not with all this "Trump was anointed to lead us to Armageddon!" talk going around right now.

n m

I don't trust any of them anymore.

But, I agree with the Pete B vibes.

And, the party needs people who can speak to the margins of the zombie apocalypse in a soft and approachable manner.

JC is great, but he is the best chance to actually win down there.

Beto was close, but always sensed he was too overtly progressive.

And a sheep shall lead the wolves.

And not all Christians are conservative. Most of the ones I know are further left than me. Find some Episcopalians or ELCA Lutherans if you want to meet people who are both very left-wing and sincerely religious (e.g. Bishop Marianne Budde). I don't know what Talarico's denomination is, but I think he's sincere about both his faith and his politics.

His name is Joseph Yoo, and he tells it like it is! He's young and has a son that has autism. I believe he's out of Houston.

Progressive Christians unite!

He got a Master of Divinity at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary.

...who may have won his primary(keeping my fingers crossed at 95% of the vote reported) is a retired Methodist minister and he is super progressive. Folks that hold ACTUAL Christian values are, by definition, quite progressive. I am not a Christian but I have read scripture.

I am pleased as punch.

If I had to pick someone that is representative of my family, I would say we are of the Raphael Warnock mold.

as well.
His grandfather was a Baptist minister; Talarico has been attending seminary at a Presbyterian seminary in Austin. The pastors I have known who went there are all good liberals. Senator Reverend Warnock is a Baptist Minister too, and he pastors MLK's old church

I never found any liberals there.

However, our local Seventh Day Adventist Church is very liberal!

Clean cut Christian type/repub looking.
Then I think to myself, am I just stereotyping/prejudiced or will he actually do what he says?

and here are a couple of videos of him in the Texas Lege Watch him back these guys into a corner before they realize he has trapped them.

If he gets elected I sure hope that he has a good security detail.

I think that sermon -- the entire thing -- is a must see. But for those how don't have time, I've transcribed some excerpts in Post 13

Best of Good Luck to James Talarico in Texas!

Talarico for Texas has a Nice Ring to it!

(we had a speaker whose subject was Christian Nationalism and its dangers). When she showed the video many of my (also liberal ) friends were blown away. I met him the next day at a Democratic event; after that I knew he had great things ahead of him. I have been on Team Telarico ever since. I think this was 18 months ago or so.

Christianity is especially good at making hammers for what looks like nails. I don�t want thoughts and prayers for atheists, undocumented folks, LGBTQ people, and women.

I think that she has proven herself to be extraordinary on the national stage. I left Texas, but the last two relatives that I have there both voted for Talarico because they thought that Jasmine Crockett could not win statewide. I agree that Talarico reminds me of the Standard White Christian Texan who will stab me in the back while shaking my hand and telling me that he hates the sin, not the sinner. But having lived 6 decades of my gay life in Texas, maybe I'm over reacting. I heard so many people who actually knew Fetterman and Sinema say that they were surprised how they turned out. There must be intense pressure to compromise one's principles at that level. At least even a compromised Democratic congressperson is one more seat towards a majority, so that's some silver lining.

.. at time that Christian Nationalism is an existential threat.

Jasmine is formidable and will be forging a new path. Talarico's is a voice I think we desperately need on the national stage at this juncture.

And DO NOT discount his tenure in the State Legislature. He has had accomplishments that make it clear he is skilled at connecting and building support needed to pass meaningful law.

infinitely better than either of the Republican candidates, I certainly agree that protestants need a Pope Leo type figure (or more than one) nationally to lead as many as possible away from the evil that is Christian nationalism. Jeff Sharlet's great book "The Family" should be required high school reading in my opinion.
It is so ironic that in a state which produces both evil and milquetoast politicians by the ton two such outstanding politicians should be vying for the same office. I just hope that we hear much more from both of them for decades to come.

... of remaking the Democratic party for the better.

I don't have the exact quote, but as Talarico said in his speech tonight, this election in TX has inspired a little hope across the nation -- and a little hope is a powerful thing.

People who have given up any hope their participation could make a difference, or actually help bring about meaningful change, may be inspired to get in the game.

And if a feedback loop of hope and action takes hold, watch out!

And Jasmine's fans are up in arms. I couldn't reason with any. I came in peace, I absolutely love that women, she's brilliant, amazing and she will fight your ass. She's a freaking star.

BUT, this is Texas, state wide and I ALSO believe it's important for Democrats to start to take back religion or at least put it on equal footing. I think Talarico can expose these hypocrites. He knows the bible, he's a believer and he's a Liberal. We need this man's voice in the public sphere. I Promise you he will make religious people THINK.

Again, all due respect to Jasmine. Any other time, state, place, year, I'd want her to win. But not here and now.

I think of Jimmy Carter. He lived his entire life in the service of others and taught us all what true love and religion is.

He was the first president I voted for.

I am not religious now I was in my younger years but with all the greed, cruelty and filth going around someone that truly lives what he believes might be good for this country.

Reagan got involved with them and they were big factor in getting Reagan elected in 1980. They painted Jimmy as a "non-Christian" because he supported women's choice.

feeling I had about Eric Adams. I hope I am wrong.

if he wins, and think his chances are far better than Crocket's would have been, he'll be far better than if the Republicans hold on to that seat.

I’m no analyst and maybe you are right but elected Democrats who side with the opposition are a concern.

In fact, a slight majority of Democrats identify as Christian.

Go ahead and support Cornyn or Paxton for Texas Senator if it makes you feel better.

He has been on my radar since 2023. I've watched him battle as a Representative in the Texas state legislature. He is a riveting speaker against Christian Nationalism.

I could, of course, be wrong, but he is not a person who has "come out of nowhere."

He's been walking the walk, and talking the talk since he was elected in 2018. And before that he taught 6th grade language arts in the West Side of San Antonio, one of the city's poorest zip codes, with 97% of its student population classified as economically disadvantaged.

For me, his Oct 2023 sermon against Christian Nationalism shows him to be an incredibly smart, riveting, and effective speaker on an existential threat. I highly recommend watching the entire sermon. I've included some excerpts below that you may want to scan if you don't have time. (I didn't transcribe some great bits where he talks about other faith traditions.)

- the more liberal/progressive one becomes, politically speaking

And one that seems to be born out in analyses like this one, that seeks to find the "answer" on when life begins in scripture.

https://www.christiancitizen.us/articles/when-does-life-begin-reckoning-with-surprising-answers-in-scripture

Since he has no uterus, he has nothing valuable to say about women and abortion. He can keep his judgments to himself about viability and compromises.

outnumbering African-Americans by more than 3 to 1 in Texas...
and Talarico is not a 'conservative Christian' by any means!
(Indeed, on actual policy, there was very little difference between Crockett and Talarico,
so far as I have read).

I don't know what you mean by 'the real deal', but I would say that he is a 'REAL Christian'--
which most of the Republican self-proclaimed Christians CLEARLY are not!

As a minority, don't you think Hispanics are also deserving of representation?
I think the demographics of the state weighed in on the results of this primary.


Google:
As of the 2022-2023 U.S. Census estimates, Texas is a majority-minority state where Hispanics are the largest demographic group, slightly outnumbering non-Hispanic whites. The approximate population breakdown is 40.2% Hispanic, 39.8% non-Hispanic white, and 12–13% Black or African American

Race and ethnicity are fluid, confusing, and often arbitrary in the US.

Are you saying that he is Hispanic? I don't know how he identifies but Talarico is an Italian surname and he was adopted by his non-biological Italian surnamed stepfather.

a lot of hispanic voters in Texas may have made the same false assumption!

I've personally known many people who had both Hispanic and non-Hispanic White heritage and over the last two decades things have changed and their children may or may not identify as Hispanic. Hispanic is an ethnicity. White is really meaningless. Anglo can include White people whose ancestors fought England for hundreds of years. Mexican can include people from all over the world whose ancestors immigrated to Mexico, including Irish who were brought to México by the wonderful President López de Santa Anna to act as a counter to the Anglo American slave holders whose aim was to convert a huge part of México into a slave state.

The whole thing is complicated.

... sixth grade language arts at Rhodes Middle School in San Antonio, TX -- a school that serves a student body that is/was over 90% Hispanic.

That church is part of the liberal branch of Presbyterian churches (PCUSA), which are pro LGBT+, support the ordination of women and same sex marriages. Talarico is an outspoken opponent of Christian nationalism. This is reassuring. I still feel a little uneasy whenever a politician uses arguments rooted in religion when legislating or debating (there are clips of him doing that to refute a republican argument during a legislative session), but hey, maybe that's what works in Texas.

I personally know a few who are genuinely good and decent people, but they don’t make a show of it. The ones who go about proclaiming their religious devotion so often are self-serving hypocrites.

It may be unfair, but I am suspicious, too.

Tracy Uhlmann on her sketch series has a recurrent bit about a woman who is, for example, on a date or at a job interview that is going really well, the guy is interested, they are about to offer her the job, and she mentions that she is a Christian. The guy suddenly has to leave, the job is no longer a good fit. It’s an odd, pointed commentary. In some places, like in American politics, you have to profess a religion, preferably Christian, even if, as in the case of the Mango Menace, it’s sheer, blatant, ugly dishonesty. Americans won’t accept an atheist. The comedy suggests that the Brits find self-identified Christians off-putting, a little contemptible, maybe embarrassing, definitely to be avoided.

Crocket had no chance. She didn’t appeal to the independents enough. She could win all of the left and that would not be enough. You need 3 to 5% of independents. This is a numbers game. I’m not counting on any Republican votes. Talarico won Hispanics by 70%.

Last edited Thu Mar 5, 2026, 12:39 AM - Edit history (1)

There have been very few revolutionary white preachers in the world who put the greater good ahead of themselves. But he is absolutely one of them.

I've said here many times that I'm a red-letter Christian. Talarico in my opinion speaks about what *I* believe are the true tenets of Christianity. Love God and love your neighbor.

You, nor anyone, has to agree with my religious belief or anyone else's. Each person is welcome and responsible for finding their own path in whatever way they choose, and I am not here to convert anyone. Forcing religion on anyone is wrong and naturally is met with resistance as it should be.

I despise the hijacking of Christianity that *I* believe has occurred over the last decades. The Republicans figured out that religion was a hot button and emotional issue, and they have been successful at using it to divide people. Christianity is not about dividing; it is about uniting. I believe Talarico epitomizes that concept and that's why people respond to him. Like it or not, the majority of people in Texas have some form of Christian faith, especially those who vote. People liked that he didn't go horribly negative. They liked that he could quote book, chapter and verse in comebacks to Republican propaganda. And they liked his openness about his life and how he got to the point where he is today.

Most of us liked Jasmine Crockett, too, and it was a choice that wasn't the easiest. I believe she comes from a Baptist background. Talarico is Presbyterian.

That said, every Christian that I know will be the first to tell you that we all fail miserably on a daily basis at living up to the expectations of loving, etc. So he will definitely make mistakes.

But I ask that you give him a chance and just see what he can do. He's the candidate now, and what is the alternative? Paxton? I know we don't want to have that in November. The way to avoid that is for all of us to unite and support Talarico.

When Jasmine Crockett figures out what her next move will be, I fully expect to be supporting her in that endeavor.

If not, I highly recommend it it. Posted here: https://www.democraticunderground.com/100221071576#post13

Thanks.

Well said.

If more people who proclaim themselves to be Christians would actually live their faith as Jimmy Carter did, as Joe Biden does, and as, by all indicators so far, Talarico does, people like me who explored Christianity and found it uncomfortably judgmental and exclusionary might not find it so off-putting.

I like what Mahatma Gandhi said so long ago -"I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ".

We don't need any more "deeply religious" politicians who spew their mythical nonsense, even if they rail against those they label "fake Christians." At this point I suppose all we can do is hope for the best.

If not, you might want to check it out before passing judgement.
https://www.democraticunderground.com/100221071576#post13

while complaining the loser fell victim to stereotyping is damn good internet.

Talarico for the most part is a bit of the unknown.

And folks complaining the loudest live nowhere near Texas. They have no idea what we are dealing with down here.

on several democratic campaigns. She was on the Texas staff for Kamala Harris.
Lives in Austin. Still politically employed in Austin. This is a media, behind the scenes, grass roots person. Huge Talarico supporter. She has worked with him on several occasions and really likes him a lot. (Gen Z)

I absolutely detest holy roller delusions. But, they do play well in Texas.

not sure he's the real deal besides the way he looks?

I wanted Jasmine to win, too..

And I didn't know anything about him until last week someone had a video of his really... I liked what he was saying until he said ".. National Dem leaders aren't fighters"..

My view is.. we need Unity not Division.. I was told that tha's the way one needed t talk in Texas.

I'm so Grateful Jasmine Crockett came out with her Unity Tweet! I was crying it's so Perfect and Just What We Need!

I'm going to watch JT's sermon now in your thread. ... and anyway I'm all behind him now.. he's our Dem Candidate for Senator from Texas!

The very last thing Texas or the country needs is another preacher involved in politics. I know he’s “one of the good ones,” but I hope to hell he remembers who his constituents are, especially those of different or no religion.

Walks the walk very sincerely, without being preachy or hypocritical. I like him so far.

He would immediately be one of the most progressive members of the Senate if elected.

Nothing in there about supporting a women's right to abortion.
reservation number 1.

Link to tweet

that was the only time i watched him

i'm not a fan of the uber religious politicians and this was a turn off for me (but might give him an edge in the general in texasland)

the other thing that bothered me about him -- and it was just a feeling i got, an impression but he doesn't seem to be a fighter; imo he came off very passive, wants to get along too much and i could just imagine him going along with trump and republicans on a lot of their shit. kind of like the way fetterman turned out. (no fire in his belly -- as the expression goes)

(i wanted to see jasmine win too but understand it would have been too hard for to win that state)

Your "impression" is 100% the opposite of reality.

I get the impression that he is deeply sympathetic of the plight of women and, in particular, single mothers. Talarico has also clearly articulated that his interpretations of the Bible actually support women's rights and, in particular, their reproductive freedom. For some folks, this is a new breed of cat...An intelligent, empathetic, caring Christian. They exist though. I feel bad that your life experience has yet to introduce you to any. But, then, along came Talarico. And, now, it's in your hands whether you want to make a leap of faith and vote for him.

I have been listening to him in the Texas Legislature for a while and he is the real thing. He know how to work the system and even has some progressive bones. I also think his brand of religion is not repulsive and that is saying a lot in a Bible Belt State.

I will admit that the religion thing makes me a little nervous because I simply do not think religion in government is a bad thing.....of any kind.

His character, his whiteness, his Hispanic roots, his verbal skills are all big pluses....

SHOCK THE WORLD!!

Watch videos of him in action against Republicans in the Texas Legislature. He can back those people into a corner before they even know what hit them, and he never raises his voice.

Watch this YouTube video

I don’t know a lot about Talarico yet, and this is good stuff to see.

He serves as
Vice Chair of the Trade, Workforce, and Economic Development Committee
Vice Chair of the Subcommittee on Academic and Career-Oriented Education
Member of the Public Education Committee
Member of the House Administration Committee
Member of the Calendars Committee

He has been lead sponsor on major bills, 16 of which have become law. He passed a price cap on insulin (he is a Type 1 diabetic himself). His legislation has focused on education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for Texans. In a Republican-dominated Texas legislature, the fact that he has gotten so much done is remarkable.

A House colleague (Erin Zwiener) who was also elected in 2018 says he's a workhorse, but also a great communicator. Her tweets would maybe get a couple of hundred retweets, while his regularly got a few thousands. His videos regularly go viral.

and why this is so hard for some on DU to understand is depressing. Do you want to have a chance at controlling the Senate or not?

to understand deep concern about constant praising references to a candidate's religiosity, in the supposedly secular venue of governance. He may be the best chance of winning this race, but if that "best chance" is based in large measure on his religiosity, one may indeed have concerns about the rather pronounced move to theocracy that we are witnessing.

I watch year after year as the candidates I prefer (and donate to) get pummeled here.

People were mad at me in the early days when I supported Obama too. I simply knew he could win. I don't know that James can win, but I know he gives us a shot, based mostly on his drawing folks not just in urban areas, but all over the state.

People can judge from other states, but they are not in the middle of this.

and the obscene focus on the family insanity, so my concerns about religion in politics run very deep. I lived in Texas twice, and I have good, politically aware friends there still, so I have some awareness. And you seem to have missed my saying he may have a shot, but the emphasis on his religiosity is a legitimate concern, as I would have for any candidate anywhere.

and nothing I can personally do about women not being elected.

I think it's interesting that I'm sitting here as a white woman being blamed. There has never been a white female president. There has never been a white female VP. Still, I will vote for the candidate that would at least be better than the others on the ballot, and I get blamed for that too.

I really do not know enough about him. Jasmine Crockett is exactly my type of politician, and I assumed -- until the last week -- that Democrats would recognize her value. I do not think that we have heard the last from her. I think she should be seriously considered as being the VP on our '28 ticket, as I think that the most important regions outside of Texas appreciate her. I'm an old Irishman, in rural upstate New York. And for the last year, she has been the most popular politician among those I know.

He looks like every youth minister ive ever seen. so if I ever was in a situation where I had to vote for him, it would be despite that instead of because of that. That said, I recognize that he’s a very skilled politician, and I do know that in Texas, especially there are huge numbers of people that he will be able to sway because of the constant biblical references.

State University.

His ability to connect with people is remarkable. In the relatively short time he spoke, he had women on each side of me wiping away tears – not because he'd told a sad story but because the empathy he expressed caused them to feel seen by him.

A friend met him at a Democratic event in my county and had a one-to-one conversation with him for several moments. He really touched her as well. When she got emotional he hugged her. He wasn't looking to be someplace, but focused on their conversation. He is genuinely kind.

We have had decades now of conservative Christian evangelists and Christian Nationalists trying to claim Jesus and painting a deeply unattractive picture of Christians. They're loud, insistent, dominate the airwaves. Anyone could be forgiven for having a completely negative view of Christianity. I once held that view myself. Yet, I was deeply moved by listening to Martin Luther King as a teenager and read many of his books. I didn't recognize then that he was deeply Christian in a very different sense than the narrow-minded, judgmental types I stereotyped Christians as. I guess I thought MLK was an anomaly.

In reality these Christian Nationalists and other RW Christians are defaming the character of Christ as revealed in the Gospels and other books of the New Testament.

For years I've hoped for the same kind of Christian as MLK, Rev. William Barber, and others who are public theologians capable of inspiring us and of countering and exposing the heresies being spouted by RW Christian Nationalists. I'm thrilled we may have on in the U.S. Senate if we are so lucky to elect Talarico to the U.S. Senate.

have chosen to not even give Talarico 24 hours to bask in his victory before criticizing him for his Christian faith. Which is weird when you think about it. Our party is composed of Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus and dozens of more faiths. Here is a young man who taps into his faith to successfully connect with people from all walks of life. He's doing a good thing, with a message of love and empathy, at a time when we're in short supply of these things in Washington.