James Talarico, the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate in Texas, faces a simple question from voters like Juli McShay: Are you for us? His answer so far is money, endorsements, and a lot of personal visits.
The Houston Town Hall
McShay, a political science professor, confronted Talarico during a July town hall in Houston. She said his campaign had taken Black voters’ ideas for engaging them — ideas she and others had offered — but never acted on them.
“You’re saying one thing, but we’re waiting on the action.”
The Primary Aftermath
Talarico beat U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, who is Black, in the Democratic primary. Crockett faced racially charged attacks on social media during the race, which created raw feelings among supporters. McShay wanted Talarico to speak more strongly against the online posters’ vitriol.
What He Has Done Since
Talarico’s campaign announced a $25 million investment to reach Black voters in Texas. He has received an endorsement from the political arm of the Congressional Black Caucus and elected leaders. He hired veteran Black political operatives and Black-owned firms. He visited Black churches and businesses and appeared on Black media shows.
The Report Card
McShay is working on what she calls a report card for the Houston outlet the Forward Times. She said Talarico is not getting an A+ — maybe a C or a B.
“He’s not getting an A+,” she said.
Voter Skepticism
Edward Richard, who lives in Houston with his wife, both in their 70s, said he will likely vote for Talarico but wants to see more of him. Their concerns include food deserts, food swamps, thefts at the grocery store, and a son pulled over for no clear reason.
“We’re looking for the candidate that’s going to at least meet us halfway, at least listen to us,” he said.
A Litmus Test
Houston-area U.S. Rep. Christian Menefee, a Democrat who has campaigned with Talarico, said Black communities apply a similar test to every politician, regardless of race.
“He has been intentional in coming into Black spaces and humbling himself to hear feedback,” Menefee said.
The Sunday Funday Visit
One attendee at the town hall asked Talarico to attend a Sunday Funday, a gathering of younger generations on the last day of the weekend. McShay said he did it.
“He did it,” she said.
Where It Stands
Talarico has made progress, according to McShay. She noted that she is waiting to see where and how that $25 million is spent.
“He has improved. He’s done many of the things. Is there still room for improvement? Yes,” she said.
Key Facts Box
- Candidate: James Talarico, Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Texas
- Opponent: Republican state Attorney General Ken Paxton
- Last Democrat to win statewide in Texas: 1994
- Primary victory over: Jasmine Crockett
- Campaign investment: $25 million to reach Black voters
- Report card status: Being finalized by McShay for the Forward Times
The takeaway is simple: Talarico is doing more than most candidates ever do to reach Black voters in Texas, and even his critics admit it. Whether that is enough to win remains to be seen.
Source material: “Talarico works to reach Black voters in his bid to win a US Senate seat as a Democrat in Texas,” Houston Public Media.
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