Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico is embracing the nickname “Talafreako” given to him by his Republican opponent, Attorney General Ken Paxton, and has even started selling T-shirts with the slogan “I’m a Talafreako.”
Talarico Embraces the Nickname
At a general election kickoff event in Houston, Talarico encouraged supporters to purchase the T-shirts. He said, “I also saw that Ken Paxton started calling me ‘Talafreako,’ and I am proud to announce that we have ‘I’m a Talafreako’ T-shirts on our website.
So, when you go home tonight, make sure you grab one.” After he left the stage, the crowd began chanting “Talafreako” repeatedly.
Criticism and Controversy
Some analysts worry the move could backfire with moderate voters, noting Talarico’s past controversial statements. These include saying “God is nonbinary,” acknowledging six genders, and claiming the Bible supports abortion. A Republican strategist told Fox News Digital that selling merchandise embracing the nickname “reminds people that he is on the wrong side of every 80/20 issue.”
Sen. Ted Cruz also criticized Talarico on social media, saying, “Texas will never elect someone who thinks God is nonbinary,” while Sen. Eric Schmitt called him “constructed in a Woke Lab.”
Support for Talarico’s Strategy
Not everyone sees the nickname as a liability. Eric Koch, founder of Downfield Strategies, praised Talarico for co-opting the jab. He said the candidate used the kickoff rally to highlight Paxton’s alleged corruption, including “Epstein-style sweetheart deals” and called Paxton “the most corrupt politician in America.”
Anti-Corruption Agenda
Talarico pledged that, if elected, his first move in the Senate would be to file a comprehensive anti-corruption package. This would include banning unlimited donations from corporate PACs and super PACs, prohibiting congressional stock trading, instituting term limits, establishing a national ban on gerrymandering, and measures to “overhaul” the Supreme Court.
Highlighting Legislative Record
Talarico emphasized his bipartisan record in the Texas House of Representatives, noting that he has worked across party lines to pass over 60 bills addressing property taxes, teacher pay, housing, prescription drugs, and childcare. He contrasted this with Paxton’s criminal record, stating, “I have a legislative record. Ken Paxton has a criminal record.”
Paxton Targets Talarico as Too Progressive
Paxton has framed Talarico as a radical leftist, posting on X that “James Talarico is too radical for California, let alone Texas.” The ongoing race is shaping up as a clash between Talarico’s reform-focused campaign and Paxton’s conservative base.
