Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico says he opposes both parties’ establishment at campaign stop in Fort Worth
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico blasted the influence of billionaires on politics and society during a campaign stop in Fort Worth. According to his campaign, more than 1,200 people attended the event.
Talarico, a state representative from Austin, entered the primary in September. At his rally, Talarico criticized the national Democratic Party, saying it’s not fighting back hard enough.
In an interview with CBS News Texas, Talarico said he wasn’t afraid to take on the national party.
“I’m a proud Texas Democrat, but I already have a religion and a sports team. The reason I’m in this political party is because it’s a way to organize workers, win elections and improve people’s lives. If the Democratic Party isn’t going to do that, like it hasn’t over the last few election cycles, then we need to share some hard truths. We need to be honest,” Talarico said.
“I have to speak truth to power, whether it’s in my party or not. In this campaign, I’m going up against the political establishment in both political parties. I’m the voice of all Texans and I value that independence. I’m able to think for myself and I’m able to push back when I need to, no matter which party I’m pushing back on,” he continued.
Asked if it would hurt politically, Talarico said: “It might ruffle some feathers, it might anger the powers that be. But we desperately need a senator who is going to fight for the 30 million Texans who live here, not the party bosses in DC.”
Talarico vs. Former Congressman Colin Allred
A University of Houston-Texas Southern University poll shows Talarico trailing the former Dallas congressman. Colin Allred by four percentage points, from 46% to 42%, with 12% unsure.
Allred also traveled the state and focused on disrupting the economy and reducing costs for Texans. The Cook Political Report still rates the Texas Senate race as “likely Republican.”
Talarico raised more than $6.2 million in three weeks in the third quarter, a Texas record for a Senate candidate in the first quarter.
When asked how he plans to take his message against billionaires and for workers in the U.S. Senate if he wins, Talarico said, “I’ve worked in the trenches of the Texas Legislature, which, as you know, is not an easy place to work as a Democrat. But I was able to work across the aisle with my Republican friends to pass major legislation to lower the cost of health care, lower the cost of child care, and lower the cost of housing. That’s exactly what I will do if elected U.S. Senator from Texas.
Allred raised more than $4.1 million in the third quarter.
Other possible candidates
It is not yet known whether former Congressman Beto O’Rourke and current Congressman Joaquin Castro will run for U.S. Senate.
Candidates can begin filing their paperwork with the Secretary of State’s office for the March primary on Saturday, November 8 and they have until Monday, December 8.
This week’s full episode is available below:
