James Talarico Takes on Bipartisan Establishment at Fort Worth Campaign Stop
In a recent campaign event in Fort Worth, Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico criticized the significant influence of billionaires in politics and society. The rally attracted over 1,200 attendees, signaling robust support for his candidacy. Talarico, a state representative from Austin, launched his primary campaign in September.
Talarico’s Stance on the Democratic Party
During his speech, Talarico expressed dissatisfaction with the national Democratic Party’s efforts, asserting that it fails to effectively challenge the status quo. He emphasized his independence within the party, stating, “I’m a proud Texas Democrat… The reason I’m a part of this political party is because it is a vehicle to organize working people.” He underscored the need for honesty and “hard truths” within the party regarding its performance in recent elections.
Challenging the Political Establishment
Talarico asserted that his campaign aims to confront the political establishment across all parties. He expressed his commitment to advocating for all Texans, saying, “I’m able to think for myself… regardless of which party I’m pushing back on.” When posed with the potential political repercussions of his criticisms, he acknowledged that it might upset some party elites, but he emphasized the necessity for representation dedicated to the 30 million Texans residing in the state.
Polling and Fundraising Efforts
A recent poll conducted by the University of Houston and Texas Southern University indicates that Talarico trails former Congressman Colin Allred by four percentage points, with figures showing Allred at 46% and Talarico at 42%, while 12% remain undecided. Allred has also campaigned statewide, focusing on economic reforms and cost reduction initiatives for Texans.
| Candidate | Third Quarter Fundraising |
|---|---|
| James Talarico | $6.2 million |
| Colin Allred | $4.1 million |
Notably, Talarico raised over $6.2 million in just three weeks during the third quarter, achieving a record for a Texas Senate candidate in their first fundraising quarter.
Looking Ahead
While Talarico gears up for the elections, the landscape of the U.S. Senate race remains uncertain. Speculation continues regarding the potential candidacies of former Congressman Beto O’Rourke and current Congressman Joaquin Castro. Candidates can begin filing their paperwork for the March primary starting November 8, and the deadline is set for December 8.
As Talarico prepares for the upcoming challenges, he remains dedicated to prioritizing the needs of working Texans and advocating for significant policy changes if elected to the U.S. Senate.
