Texas Showdown: Meet the “Talafreakos”

Halloween costumes, a hoarse candidate and supporters embracing an insult: James Talarico’s final Houston rally brought some unusual ingredients to Texas’ Senate showdown.

At the Bayou Music Center on October 31, the Democratic contender addressed about 1,900 people. Some supporters proudly called themselves “Talafreakos,” reclaiming the nickname Republican opponent Ken Paxton had used against him.

“We are the underdogs. It’s David versus Goliath,” Talarico told the crowd.

The 37-year-old former middle school teacher and Presbyterian seminarian is trying to accomplish something Democrats have pursued unsuccessfully for decades: win a Texas U.S. Senate election. The state last elected a Democrat to the chamber in 1988. Its last Democratic senator, appointed incumbent Bob Krueger, left office in 1993.

Talarico’s pitch centers on working people squeezed by rising costs and a political system he says gives wealthy donors too much influence. His classroom background supplies the personal connection: before entering politics, he taught sixth-grade language arts on San Antonio’s predominantly Mexican-American West Side.

Paxton, Texas’ attorney general, offers a sharply different message, defending conservative priorities while also promising greater affordability. During an October campaign stop, he pledged to fight for Texans’ ability to buy homes, raise families and meet everyday expenses.

The money fight is enormous. Elon Musk gave $158 million to Senate Leadership Fund in September; matching amounts subsequently moved into an affiliated group advertising for Paxton. That is outside spending, rather than a direct donation to Paxton’s campaign.

Then came a twist bearing a famous Republican surname. Neil Bush, brother of former President George W. Bush, publicly said he voted for Talarico. Former first daughter Barbara Bush separately contributed $2,500 to a super PAC supporting the Democrat. Those individual decisions do not amount to an endorsement by the entire Bush family.

For Democrats, the excitement carries a familiar caution: Texas has raised their hopes before. Recent polling has suggested a close contest, but enthusiasm and famous supporters cannot settle it.

On November 3, the “Talafreakos” will find out whether their nickname belongs on a victory shirt.