State Rep. James Talarico, D-Austin, launched his 2026 U.S. Senate campaign Tuesday with a rally in Round Rock that drew more than 1,000 supporters. He announced his campaign raised $1 million in the first 12 hours.
The 36-year-old lawmaker, a former teacher who joined the Texas House in 2018, has built a profile as one of the Democratic Party’s younger voices. His speeches have circulated widely online, and this summer he appeared on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, which has a sizable Texas audience.
Talarico now enters a Democratic primary alongside former U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, who lost to Sen. Ted Cruz in 2024, and retired NASA astronaut Terry Virts. The winner will likely face either incumbent Sen. John Cornyn or Attorney General Ken Paxton, who are competing in the Republican primary.
For voters in the Brazos Valley, the race represents another test of whether Democrats can make inroads in regions outside Texas’ largest cities. Brazos County has leaned solidly Republican in statewide contests, but student voters at Texas A&M University and surrounding communities are expected to play a role in shaping turnout. Talarico’s emphasis on education, faith and a “new kind of politics” could resonate with younger voters and educators in the region.
His campaign has scheduled daily rallies across the state this week as he seeks to build momentum in a contest that could become one of the most closely watched Senate races of 2026.
Brazos Guardian 