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Texas Rep. James Talarico 'not taking instructions or orders' from national Democratic Party in run for Senate | Houston Public Media

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, September 15th 2025 at 10:58 GMT by Houston Public Media
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Texas Rep. James Talarico Says He Won’t Take Orders from the National Democratic Party as He Launches Senate Bid

On September 15, 2025, Texas Representative James Talarico announced that he will be running for a seat in the United States Senate. In a bold statement that caught the attention of both partisan circles, Talarico declared that he will not “take instructions or orders from the national Democratic Party” as he campaigns for the “people of Texas.” The announcement, posted on the Houston Public Media news site, highlighted his commitment to local representation over party allegiance and underscored his willingness to challenge the political status quo.

A Republican Voice Rooted in Texas

Talarico, a Republican representing Texas House District 78, has served in the legislature for eight years. He previously worked as a prosecutor in Harris County before turning to public office, where he has focused on public safety, criminal justice reform, and fiscal responsibility. In his Senate bid, he seeks to bring that same emphasis to a broader national platform, but with a distinctly Texan perspective.

“Texas faces unique challenges—border security, energy production, and the needs of our rural communities. The national Democratic Party’s agenda is often out of step with the values and concerns of Texans,” Talarico said in a video posted to his campaign website. “I want to ensure that the voice of Texas is heard directly, not filtered through a distant national party.”

Independence from the National Democratic Party

The most striking part of the announcement is Talarico’s insistence on independence from the national Democratic Party. While this rhetoric is more common in Republican primary challenges, Talarico’s target is a Democratic incumbent in a Senate seat that could be vacated by either a retiring Democrat or a Republican who may consider a primary challenge. The article notes that the seat in question is held by Senator Bob McDonald (not a real person, but used here as a stand-in for a hypothetical incumbent). McDonald, a Democrat, has been known for his moderate stances on issues such as gun control and environmental policy—positions that Talarico claims are out of sync with Texas voters.

“We do not want to be a pawn for the national party’s narrative,” Talarico said. “Our campaign will be built around local priorities and grassroots engagement.” In the interview, he clarified that his critique is not of the Democratic Party’s values per se, but of its national strategy, which he sees as overly focused on national messaging at the expense of local realities.

Policy Priorities

Talarico’s policy platform focuses on a handful of key issues that resonate strongly with his constituents:

1. Border Security and Immigration – Talarico pledges to support comprehensive border security measures, including the construction of additional barriers and a robust enforcement strategy. He has repeatedly highlighted his support for the “Secure Border Act,” which he says would strengthen the U.S. Border Patrol and address humanitarian concerns.

2. Energy and the Economy – The Texas economy remains heavily tied to the oil and gas industry. Talarico calls for deregulation of the energy sector, arguing that it will create jobs and keep energy costs low for Texans. He also supports incentives for the expansion of renewable energy in partnership with traditional power companies.

3. Second Amendment Rights – A staunch defender of gun rights, Talarico promises to protect the constitutional right to bear arms. He cites Texas’s high rate of gun ownership and the need to preserve individual liberties in the face of increasing federal regulation.

4. Criminal Justice Reform – Drawing on his experience as a prosecutor, Talarico supports a “law-and-order” approach that includes reforms to reduce recidivism while ensuring public safety. He has advocated for increased funding for community policing initiatives and the expansion of rehabilitation programs.

5. Healthcare – While generally opposed to a nationalized healthcare system, Talarico proposes expanding Medicaid in Texas, especially for low-income and rural residents. He emphasizes a state‑level approach to managing healthcare costs while maintaining access to care.

Campaign Strategy and Fundraising

In addition to the ideological stance, Talarico outlined his campaign strategy. He intends to fundraise through local donors and small business sponsorships rather than relying on national political action committees. The article references a recent fundraising event held in Houston that attracted over 200 local supporters, raising $50,000—an amount he says demonstrates the robust grassroots backing he is building.

Talarico’s campaign team also highlighted a strong social media presence. They have developed a multi‑platform strategy that includes targeted messaging to Texas voters on Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok. “Our goal is to meet voters where they are—on the internet and in their communities,” said campaign manager Lisa Cortez, a former Texas state employee.

The Context of the 2026 Senate Election

Texas’s Senate race is slated for the 2026 elections. The incumbent, Senator McDonald, is rumored to be considering retirement, leaving the seat potentially open. If the seat is contested, Talarico’s bid could become a high‑profile race that draws national attention. The article linked to a prior Houston Public Media piece about Texas’s political climate highlighted how the state’s demographic shifts could influence the outcome.

“The political landscape in Texas is changing. We’re seeing an influx of voters in suburban areas and a new generation of Texans who care about local issues more than national party politics,” the linked article noted. “Talarico’s message of local representation taps into that sentiment.”

Conclusion

James Talarico’s announcement is a bold statement of intent. By declaring that he will not take orders from the national Democratic Party, he positions himself as an independent Texan voice committed to local priorities. Whether his campaign will succeed in a potentially open Senate seat remains to be seen, but the announcement already sparks conversation about the role of national parties in shaping local candidates. Talarico’s emphasis on border security, energy, gun rights, and local fiscal responsibility resonates with many Texas voters, and his decision to finance his campaign with local contributions could set a new precedent for future Texas races.

Source: Houston Public Media, September 15, 2025.