Rep. James Talarico

Representative James Talarico is the Democrat nominee for the United States Senate from Texas and a four-term member of the Texas House of Representatives, where he has emerged as one of the state's leading voices on public education, affordable health care, and government accountability. First elected in 2018, he currently represents House District 50 and serves on the Public Education Committee, the Juvenile Justice and Family Issues Committee, and the Calendars Committee.

An eighth-generation Texan, Rep. Talarico was born and raised in Round Rock, where he attended Wells Branch Elementary School and graduated from McNeil High School. He earned a bachelor's degree in government from The University of Texas at Austin before joining Teach For America as a middle school teacher on the west side of San Antonio. He later earned a master's degree in education policy from Harvard University and is currently a Presbyterian seminarian, reflecting his longstanding commitment to faith, service, and public leadership.

His experience in the classroom continues to shape his legislative priorities. During his time in the Texas Legislature, Rep. Talarico helped write the most significant overhaul of the state's school finance system in more than two decades and has championed legislation expanding student mental health services, strengthening character education, reducing Pre-K class sizes, improving access to affordable child care, and increasing educational opportunities for incarcerated youth.

Living with Type 1 diabetes, Rep. Talarico has also been a leading advocate for affordable health care. He authored landmark legislation capping insulin copays in Texas at $25 per month and has advanced policies aimed at lowering prescription drug costs, combating teen fentanyl overdoses, and increasing accountability within the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.

Throughout his career, Rep. Talarico has focused on expanding opportunity for working families, strengthening public education, and restoring trust in government through pragmatic, bipartisan leadership. In recognition of his effectiveness and legislative accomplishments, he was named one of the Top 10 Best Legislators by Texas Monthly magazine.