Fighting for a Better Texas
Supporting James Talarico, a progressive leader, educator, and person of faith working to build an inclusive Texas where every family can thrive.
About James Talarico
A rising progressive leader combining education expertise, deep faith, and legislative excellence
From Teacher to Legislator
Representative James Talarico is a former public school teacher first elected to serve in the Texas House of Representatives in 2018. Born in Round Rock, he attended Wells Branch Elementary School and graduated from McNeil High School before earning degrees from The University of Texas at Austin and Harvard University.
After college, he taught middle school on the Westside of San Antonio, where he experienced firsthand the challenges facing Texas public education. This experience opened his eyes to the urgent need for education reform and inspired his run for the Legislature.
At just 28, James won his first election to the Texas House, becoming the youngest member of the Legislature. He currently serves on the House Administration Committee, Public Education Committee, and serves as Vice Chair of both the Subcommittee on Academic & Career-Oriented Education and the Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Committee.
For his legislative accomplishments, including historic school finance reform and healthcare legislation, Talarico was named one of the Top 10 Best Legislators by Texas Monthly magazine.
Educator
Former public school teacher with degrees from UT Austin and Harvard
Person of Faith
Presbyterian studying for Master of Divinity at Austin Presbyterian Seminary
Legislator
Texas House Representative serving District 50, named Top 10 Best Legislator
Advocate
Type 1 diabetic fighting for affordable healthcare and prescription drugs
Legislative Accomplishments
Delivering real results for Texas families through progressive legislation
Education Reform
Helped write the most significant school finance reform in 20 years, bringing $11.6 billion in new funding to Texas schools. Established the first-ever cap on Pre-K class sizes and expanded funding for mental health and character education programs.
Healthcare Access
Passed historic legislation capping insulin copays at $25 per month and enabling Texas to import low-cost prescription drugs from Canada, saving Texans 60-70% on commonly used medications.
Criminal Justice Reform
Authored Javier Ambler's Law to end police contracts with reality TV shows, increased accountability in the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, and ensured all incarcerated minors have the opportunity to earn a high school diploma.
89th Legislature Bills
Complete legislative record including authored, co-authored, sponsored, and co-sponsored bills
Committee Assignments
Current committee memberships and leadership roles in the Texas House
House Administration
MemberOversees House operations, rules, and administrative functions
Public Education
MemberAddresses K-12 education policy, funding, and school operations
S/C on Academic & Career-Oriented Education
Vice ChairFocuses on career and technical education programs and pathways
Trade, Workforce & Economic Development
Vice ChairPromotes economic growth, workforce development, and trade initiatives
Key Issues
Fighting for progressive values and practical solutions
Public Education
Defending public schools against voucher schemes, increasing teacher pay, and ensuring every Texas child has access to quality education regardless of their zip code.
Healthcare
Making healthcare affordable and accessible for all Texans, expanding Medicaid, and continuing the fight to lower prescription drug costs.
Criminal Justice
Reforming our criminal justice system with a focus on rehabilitation, police accountability, and addressing the root causes of crime.
Climate Action
Addressing climate change through clean energy investments, environmental protection, and building a sustainable economy for future generations.
Civil Rights
Protecting voting rights, defending reproductive freedom, and ensuring equal treatment and opportunity for all Texans regardless of background.
Economic Justice
Fighting for fair wages, workers' rights, and economic policies that help working families get ahead and build generational wealth.
Faith & Values
Progressive politics rooted in Christian faith and love for neighbor
"Politics is another word for how we treat our neighbors. My faith teaches me to love God and love my neighbor, and that's exactly what drives my work in the Texas Legislature."— James Talarico
James Talarico brings a unique perspective to Texas politics as a deeply religious progressive Democrat. Currently pursuing his Master of Divinity at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, James sees his faith and politics as inseparable parts of his calling to serve others.
He has been a vocal critic of Christian nationalism, calling it "a cancer on our religion" and arguing that it distorts the true message of Christianity. In a viral sermon that garnered over 1 million views, James articulated how progressive values align with Christian teachings of love, justice, and care for the marginalized.
His grandfather, a Baptist preacher in South Texas, taught him that Christianity is rooted in the Great Commandment: "love God and love your neighbor." This simple yet profound teaching continues to guide James's approach to public service and policy-making.
Latest News
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Get Involved
Join the movement for a better Texas
Be Part of the Change
James Talarico's vision for Texas requires all of us working together. Whether you're interested in staying informed or supporting progressive candidates, there are many ways to get involved in building a more inclusive and just Texas.
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Support James
Help fuel the fight for progressive change in Texas
Make a Difference
Your contribution helps James continue fighting for public education, healthcare access, and progressive values in the Texas Legislature. Every donation, no matter the size, makes a real impact in building a better Texas for all families.
Official Campaign
Contribute directly to James Talarico's official campaign through his secure donation portal.
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Contact
Get in touch with James Talarico's office
Legislative Office
Texas House of Representatives
District 50
Room E2.902
P.O. Box 12910
Austin, Texas 78711-2910
Phone: (512) 463-0821
Fax: (512) 463-1199
Email Legislative Office
For speaking engagements, media interviews, and community events, please reach out using this link.
Constituent Services
If you live in District 50 and need assistance with state government services, please contact the Legislative Office directly.