State Representative James Talarico kicked off his general election campaign in San Antonio last Friday evening at Paper Tiger on the St. Mary’s strip. Several hundred people packed the music venue to show their support for the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Texas as he faces off against Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Talarico addressed the crowd for about 15 minutes, outlining the plan to win his campaign for U.S. Senate against Republican nominee Ken Paxton. Talarico refuted some recent claims from Paxton, calling him a vegan, which Talarico called “fighting words.” Among other criticisms lobbied against Talarico by Republicans are his past remarks about LGBTQ rights and gender identity. These criticisms, as well as recent attacks on Talarico by Paxton, referring to him as “Low-T Talarico,” are the kind of attacks Talarico dismisses as “culture war distractions.” Talarico’s stump speech focused on linking Paxton’s alleged corruption to the rising cost of living for Texans.
“Since taking office, Ken Paxton’s net worth has increased 7,000%,” Talarico said. “He’s taken bribes from wealthy donors, while blocking overtime pay for Texas workers and gutting our healthcare. This is the rot at the core of our broken system.”
Talarico stressed that he cannot win Texas without winning Bexar County and emphasized the importance of young voters showing up to vote in the general election.
“The number of young people who have been showing up to our events has just blown me away. The number of young people who are signing up to volunteer and donate for this campaign is unprecedented. You saw in the Democratic primary that we had a record turnout among young Texans, and I think they are going to be the key to victory this November,” Talarico said.
Mother and daughter, Laura and Kate Aten – both educators – came out to the event on Friday. As a former educator, Talarico impressed them with his stance on school vouchers and advocacy for teachers and public schools.
“Democracy is on the line, so we have to back people who are willing to fight for it at a time when it seems like we’re in a desperate position as a nation, where there’s not a lot of people fighting for it,” Kate Aten said.
One of the most important issues for Delaina Anderson is children and how they’re being treated in this country. Talarico’s background as a teacher appeals to her because she feels he has a knowledge and passion for Texas youth that surpasses that of most other politicians.
“I look at him the same way my parents used to look at RFK and JFK and all of those politicians. In fact, I brought my dad with me. He was a part of the movement in the Sixties,” Anderson said.
71-year-old U.S. Air Force veteran Brent Anderson doesn’t like what he sees as corruption from the Republican Party in Texas over the last 30 years. Anderson believes his fellow supporters at the event want a return to civilized politics.
“We’re tired of the self-enriching off of our shoulders and backs,” Anderson said. “We’re fed up with the bullying and the self-serving BS.”
Desiree Estrada brought her daughter with her to the event to help her understand the importance of voting and being politically active. Estrada feels that rampant corruption and unchecked capitalism are ruining the country. She feels Talarico stands behind the people.
“He’s not taking corporate PAC money, the fact that he wants to overturn Citizens United, the fact that he gives such praise and empowerment to the servants is the embodiment of the people and his service to them,” Estrada said.
Supporters at the Talarico event listed concerns about corruption, education, and affordability as reasons they felt compelled to show their support. Others had personal issues that drove them to join the movement.
“Given these ICE raids happening in San Antonio – a very Hispanic location – it’s very personal. James Talarico has been very vocal about where he stands – unlike the Republican side – as well as women’s rights, LGBTQ plus rights, I think the option is really clear on who to vote for,” said Victoria Rodriguez.
Lyn-Z Andrews is the Director of LGBTQ Policy and Advocacy for state Representative Josey Garcia, who represents Texas House District 124. She is a trans woman who appreciates Talarico’s open mind and willingness to fight for her community.
“I’m glad to see that so many people now are fed up and really want to see a huge shift and get back to everyday life where we’re not struggling anymore – people are not fighting and arguing just because of their political party. I’m hoping that we can get back to that and find that common ground. You can agree to disagree, but at least get back to humanity. I think James is doing exactly that,” Andrews said.
The registration deadline to vote by mail or in person is Monday, Oct. 5, 2026. Uniform election day is Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.
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