Former San Antonio teacher State Rep. James Talarico considering U.S. Senate run

Texas State Rep. James Talarico, a snarky, headline-grabbing Democrat with San Antonio ties, is considering a run at U.S. Sen. John Cornyn’s seat in 2026, the Houston Chronicle reports.

Talarico, who represents a district that includes Northeast Austin, made a name for himself this session by landing witty jabs at bizarre culture-war bills filed by Republicans this session, including a proposal to ban so-called “furries” from public schools.

The one-time teacher at San Antonio’s Rhodes Middle School and former student at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary also grabbed headlines with a staunch rebuke of Gov. Greg Abbott’s school voucher plan, notably by making a failed last-ditch effort to put the question to Texas voters.

However, with the 89th legislative session over, Talarico is looking forward to his next chapter, according to the Chronicle.

“This legislative session just ended, and I am having conversations about how I can best serve, and that does include the Senate race,” Talarico told the Chronicle.

Talarico is the third Democrat who’s expressed interest in running for the seat next term. The others are former U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke — who’s run unsuccessful bids for president, U.S. senator and Texas governor — along with former U.S. Rep. Collin Allred, who lost a bid to unseat U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz last year.

Meanwhile, Cornyn is getting a primary challenge from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Paxton currently holds a 9% lead over Cornyn, according to a Texas Southern poll released last month.

Even so, Texas Democrats are optimistic that a strong candidate could send Paxton packing, considering his political baggage, which includes an attempted impeachment by the House on bribery and corruption charges in 2023. Paxton was ultimately acquitted by the Senate, however.

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This article appears in May 29 – Jun 11, 2025.