Texas state Rep. James Talarico is drawing nationwide consideration after his interview with The Late Present with Stephen Colbert didn’t air on CBS as initially deliberate. The community cited issues that broadcasting the phase might set off the Federal Communications Fee’s equal-time rule for political candidates, a call that sparked debate about media guidelines and political protection as early voting begins in Texas’ 2026 Senate race.
In an announcement, CBS stated, “The Late Present was not prohibited by CBS from broadcasting the interview with Rep. James Talarico. The present was offered authorized steerage that the printed might set off the FCC equal time rule for 2 different candidates, together with Rep. Jasmine Crockett, and offered choices for a way the equal time for different candidates could possibly be fulfilled. The Late Present determined to current the interview via its YouTube channel with on-air promotion on the printed reasonably than probably offering the equal time choices.”
The interview was in the end launched on-line, the place it rapidly gained traction and additional elevated Talarico’s profile throughout his Senate marketing campaign. Study extra about him under.
He’s Operating for U.S. Senate in 2026
In September 2025, Talarico formally launched his marketing campaign for the 2026 U.S. Senate election in Texas. He’s looking for the Democratic nomination in a aggressive major, the place he faces U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett and different Democratic contenders.
If he secures the nomination, Talarico would advance to the final election to face the Republican nominee. On the GOP aspect, incumbent Sen. John Cornyn is working for reelection and faces a major problem from Texas Lawyer Common Ken Paxtonamongst others. The race is anticipated to be probably the most intently watched Senate contests of the 2026 cycle, as Democrats try and flip a statewide seat in Texas for the primary time in a long time.
He Represents Texas within the State Home
Talarico has served within the Texas Home of Representatives since 2018, representing a portion of Austin’s suburbs after transferring from Spherical Rock following redistricting. A Democrat, he’s grow to be well-known for his progressive coverage concentrate on public schooling, voting rights, workforce improvement and opposition to conservative payments equivalent to obligatory Ten Commandments shows in public faculties.
Regardless of regularly debating Republican colleagues on points involving faith in authorities, Talarico has been open about his Christian religion and has stated it informs his values.
He Beforehand Labored as a Public Faculty Instructor
Born in Spherical Rock, Texas, Talarico grew up attending native public faculties earlier than incomes a Bachelor’s diploma in authorities from the College of Texas at Austin. He went on to obtain a Grasp of Training in schooling coverage from Harvard College and later pursued a Grasp of Divinity whereas serving within the legislature.
Earlier than getting into politics, Talarico spent two years as a public faculty instructor in a San Antonio center faculty, a formative expertise he says formed his views on schooling and fairness—themes central to his Senate marketing campaign. He later led an schooling nonprofit after which received election to the Texas Home at age 29.