Talarico Centers Texas Senate Bid on Schools and Health Costs

James Talarico is campaigning for the U.S. Senate in Texas with public education and health costs at the center of his platform, drawing on his experience as a former middle school teacher and state legislator. The certified ballot lists Talarico as the Democratic candidate, Republican Ken Paxton as his opponent and Libertarian Ted Brown as a third candidate. Election Day is Nov. 3, 2026. Talarico’s campaign proposes higher teacher pay and universal prekindergarten, and says public funding should remain in public schools rather than be directed to voucher programs. On health care, he is calling for lower prescription costs and action on medical debt. His legislative biography notes that he has Type 1 diabetes and credits him with measures capping insulin copays at $25 and allowing Texas to import lower-cost prescription drugs from Canada. His Texas House record includes both work with Republicans and opposition to legislation backed by the chamber’s conservative majority. A review of his record and interviews with more than a dozen current and former legislators found that he worked across party lines on bills while also opposing conservative measures. The review counted 39...