SAN ANTONIO \u2013 Before James Talarico entered politics, he was teaching sixth-grade language arts at Rhodes Middle School on San Antonio\u2019s West Side \u2014 an experience he says continues to shape his views as he campaigns for a seat in the U.S. Senate.<\/p>\n
\u201cTeaching middle school is the best preparation for politics,\u201d Talarico said. \u201cThere\u2019s no tougher job than being a public school teacher, particularly in a high-poverty, low-income school. That experience on the West Side is what set me on the course I\u2019m on now.\u201d <\/p>\n
He said those lessons motivate him to fight for better funding and stronger protections for public schools.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur neighborhood schools are under attack from some of the most powerful politicians and billionaires in the country,\u201d he said, criticizing efforts to divert public funds toward private school vouchers. \u201cWe\u2019ve got to strengthen our schools and make sure every child can fulfill their God-given potential.\u201d<\/p>\n
Talarico is campaigning on themes of affordability and accountability, often connecting rising costs to what he calls \u201ccorruption in government.\u201d He said Texans are being priced out of their communities as housing, health care, and child care costs continue to rise.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen politicians serve their billionaire mega-donors instead of the people they represent, everything becomes more expensive,\u201d he said. \u201cWe\u2019ve got to clean up government, so it works for people again.\u201d<\/p>\n
While Texas has not elected a Democrat statewide in more than 30 years, Talarico believes that can change. He argues that one-party dominance \u2014 whether Republican or Democrat \u2014 breeds \u201cextremism and corruption.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI think the best color for Texas is purple,\u201d he said. \u201cWhen you have competitive elections, all politicians have to stay on their toes and appeal to everyone, not just their base.\u201d<\/p>\n
Talarico, who appeared earlier this year on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, has been traveling across the state, meeting voters and promoting what he calls a \u201cnon-cookie-cutter campaign.\u201d He said that includes talking to audiences not typically courted by Democrats and appearing on outlets like Fox News and the Christian Broadcasting Network.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve got to go where people are,\u201d he said, adding that his campaign is investing heavily in social media outreach to reach younger voters.<\/p>\n
Faith, Talarico said, also plays a central role in his approach to public service. His grandfather was a Baptist preacher in South Texas, and he said he views his political work as an extension of that calling.<\/p>\n
\u201cJesus gave us two commandments \u2014 love God and love neighbor,\u201d he said. \u201cThere is no love of God without love of neighbor. That\u2019s what motivates me to serve.\u201d<\/p>\n
As he seeks to stand out in a Democratic primary, Talarico said he\u2019s focused on running a positive, issues-based campaign. And while he may not be a San Antonio native, he credits his time teaching on the city\u2019s West Side as the foundation of his public life.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s where I learned what leadership really looks like,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s where I learned who I\u2019m fighting for.\u201d<\/p>\n
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