In his effort to become the first Democrat to win a Texas Senate seat since 1988, Talarico has spent the spring consolidating support within his own party and expanding his profile beyond the liberal and suburban voters who have fueled his rise in state politics.A major focus has been on improving his standing with Black voters, many of whom backed Rep. Jasmine Crockett during the primary. Talarico has attended events at Historically Black Colleges and Universities and met with Black leaders in Houston, Austin, and the Dallas-Fort Worth area as his campaign works to unify Democrats after a competitive primary.
Helping with that effort was a visit to Austin by former President Barack Obama in May. During the visit, Obama introduced Talarico to voters at an Austin restaurant as the next senator from Texas, according to the New York Times.
The Democrat has also campaigned alongside down-ballot candidates in an effort to energize turnout ahead of November. Talarico and his team have appeared with Rep. Julie Johnson (D-TX) in her runoff against former Rep. Colin Allred (D-TX), as well as congressional candidate Johnny Garcia.
At the same time, Talarico has tried to balance progressive messaging with broader economic appeals aimed at moderates and independents. He recently backed President Donald Trump’s calls to suspend the federal gas tax amid rising prices tied to the war with Iran. At the same time, Talarico has unveiled a proposal to raise taxes on billionaires, many of whom have backed his campaign for Senate.
