History of James Talarico in Timeline

James Dell Talarico is an American politician currently serving in the Texas House of Representatives since 2018. A member of the Democratic Party, he is also a Presbyterian seminarian and former public school teacher. He has been identified as a "rising star" within the Texas Democratic Party.

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Full Timeline

May 17, 1989: James Talarico Born

On May 17, 1989, James Dell Talarico was born. He later became a politician, Presbyterian seminarian, and former public school teacher.

2011: Joined Teach For America

In 2011, James Talarico joined Teach For America and started teaching sixth-grade English language arts at Rhodes Middle School in San Antonio.

November 20, 2018: Sworn into Texas House of Representatives

On November 20, 2018, James Talarico was sworn into the Texas House of Representatives and was appointed to the Public Education and Juvenile Justice Committees.

2018: Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes

In 2018, James Talarico was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes after a five-day stint in the ICU following a campaign event. He then supported a bill to cap insulin prices.

2020: Runs in Neighboring House District 50

In 2020, after redistricting made his district more Republican, James Talarico announced that he would run in the neighboring House District 50.

August 2022: Pursuing Master of Divinity

In August 2022, while serving in the Texas House of Representatives, James Talarico began pursuing a Master of Divinity at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary.

July 2025: Appeared on The Joe Rogan Experience

In July 2025, James Talarico appeared on The Joe Rogan Experience and discussed the influence of faith on his political career.

August 2025: Participated in Quorum Bust

In August 2025, James Talarico was among the Democratic members of the Texas House who left the state to delay the passage of new congressional maps. Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit to expel him from the House.

September 9, 2025: Announced Candidacy for U.S. Senate

On September 9, 2025, James Talarico announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate in the 2026 elections, challenging incumbent John Cornyn. Democrats have struggled to win statewide elections in Texas for decades.

September 2025: Announces Candidacy for US Senate Race

In September 2025, James Talarico announced his candidacy for the 2026 US Senate race in Texas.

2025: Opposition to Ten Commandments in Schools

In 2025, James Talarico opposed placing the Ten Commandments in Texas public schools, delaying the passage of SB 10. Videos of his remarks went viral, leading to an appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience.