Can an “Underdog’s Bet” pay off in Texas politics? Texas State Representative James Talarico is betting it can, as he officially announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. The 36-year-old Democrat, a former middle school teacher and Presbyterian seminarian, is positioning himself as an underdog, challenging the state’s entrenched political establishment and the influence of wealthy donors, vowing to “take back power for working people,” according to his campaign announcement.
Talarico Enters Crowded Democratic Primary
Talarico’s entrance sets the stage for a potentially contentious Democratic primary in Texas. He joins a field that already includes former U.S. Representative Colin Allred, who was the party’s 2024 Senate nominee, and former NASA astronaut Terry Virts. According to Bloomberg Government, Allred currently holds higher name recognition among likely Democratic primary voters.
Despite Allred’s initial advantage, early polls suggest a potentially close race. Talarico’s campaign believes he can gain ground once voters learn more about him. One poll, cited by his campaign, indicated that after hearing short bios, Talarico could take a two-point lead over Allred.
A “Reset” for the Democratic Party?
Talarico’s decision to run stems from his belief that the Democratic Party needs a “reset” and that voters are “hungry for something new and different and exciting.” He has been critical of national Democratic leadership and seeks to bridge political divides, often leaning into his Christian faith in political discourse, an atypical approach for a Democrat in modern Texas politics. His campaign video explicitly stated, “We’re underdogs in this fight. We’re going up against those billionaire mega-donors and their puppet politicians. We’re going up against a rigged system. And we’re going up against a lot of money.”
The Long Road to a Competitive Texas Senate Race
The broader impact of Talarico’s candidacy extends to the Democratic Party’s long-term goal of making the Texas Senate race competitive in the 2026 midterms. Democrats have faced significant challenges in statewide elections in Texas, with the last victory occurring in 1994. The state has not elected a Democratic senator since 1988. According to data from Texas Public Radio, this losing streak highlights the uphill battle Democrats face in the state.
Potential Pathways to Victory
Despite the historical challenges, Democrats see a potential pathway to victory in the general election. One scenario involves a Republican primary outcome where the scandal-plagued Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton defeats incumbent Senator John Cornyn. Talarico has experience going up against Paxton; he was part of a bipartisan coalition in the state House that impeached Paxton in 2023, according to reporting from The Texas Tribune. This could be a key differentiating factor for Talarico in a general election matchup.
Talarico’s “Underdog” Strategy
Talarico’s campaign strategy is centered around his “underdog” status. He aims to appeal to voters who are disillusioned with the current political system and are looking for a fresh perspective. His background as a teacher and his focus on working-class issues are central to this strategy.
Bridging Political Divides
A key element of Talarico’s approach is his attempt to bridge political divides. His willingness to incorporate his Christian faith into political discourse is a deliberate effort to reach voters who may not typically support Democratic candidates. This approach is noteworthy, given the increasing polarization of American politics, as noted by Newsweek. His campaign hopes this will resonate with a broad range of Texans.
Financial Disadvantage
One of the biggest challenges Talarico faces is the financial disadvantage he will likely have compared to his opponents. Both Allred and potentially Cornyn (or Paxton) are expected to have access to significant campaign funds. Talarico’s campaign acknowledges this challenge, framing it as part of his “underdog” narrative. He hopes to overcome this disadvantage through grassroots support and by focusing on issues that resonate with everyday Texans.
Can Talarico’s Bet Pay Off?
James Talarico’s U.S. Senate bid represents a significant gamble. He is betting that his “underdog” status, his focus on working-class issues, and his attempts to bridge political divides will resonate with Texas voters. While he faces significant challenges, including a crowded primary field and a historical disadvantage for Democrats in Texas, his campaign believes that the state is ready for a change. Whether or not his bet pays off remains to be seen, but his candidacy is sure to inject new energy into the Texas political landscape.
