Talarico Steps Up Outreach to Black Voters With $25M Push as He Targets Texas Senate Seat

James Talarico, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Texas, has intensified outreach to Black communities across the state as he seeks to unseat Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton and win the first statewide Democratic office in Texas since 1994.

People arrive before Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Texas state Rep. James Talarico speaks at a food drive at the Frederick Douglass Human Services and Justice Center, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)(AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Broad Outreach, High Stakes

Talarico's campaign has announced what it calls a historic $25 million investment aimed at expanding turnout and enthusiasm among Black voters. The campaign highlights endorsements from the political arm of the Congressional Black Caucus, partnerships with Black-owned firms, the hiring of veteran Black political operatives — including Delilah Agho-Otoghile — and a schedule of visits to Black churches, businesses and media outlets.

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Texas state Rep. James Talarico listens at a food drive at the Frederick Douglass Human Services and Justice Center, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)(AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Community Reaction: Cautious Optimism

At a July town hall in Houston, political science professor Juli McShay challenged Talarico on whether campaign promises would translate into consistent action. "You're saying one thing, but we're waiting on the action," she told him. Two months later, McShay said she has seen improvement: "He's not getting an A+," she said, "but maybe a B or C," and she plans to publish a report card in the Forward Times tracking the campaign's follow-through.

Republican U.S. Senate candidate Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks at the Republican convention Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)(AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

"One is patience. The other is urgency," Talarico replied at the town hall when asked to balance immediate action with long-term commitments.

Context and Challenges

Talarico defeated U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett in the Democratic primary, a contest that included racially charged online attacks against Crockett. Voters and community leaders expected clearer denunciations of that vitriol; at the town hall, Talarico urged his supporters to respect Crockett, calling her "a leader in the state" who "deserves the utmost respect."

Local voters say their priorities include persistent, everyday problems such as food deserts, an abundance of fast-food outlets, thefts at grocery stores, policing concerns and slow municipal responses to hazards and utility issues. Elderly voters who lived through the Civil Rights era said they want candidates who will show up consistently and deliver results, not just visit during campaign season.

What’s Next

Campaign allies, including Houston-area U.S. Rep. Christian Menefee, emphasize Talarico's deliberate efforts to enter Black spaces and listen to residents. The campaign will be judged on how the $25 million is allocated and whether outreach converts broad support into active turnout in November. Organizers and leaders say they will continue to monitor events, staffing decisions and investments in local communities as the race moves forward.

Key facts: $25 million outreach pledge; endorsement from the Congressional Black Caucus political arm; hires of Black operatives and firms; outreach to churches and local media; primary victory over Rep. Jasmine Crockett; cautious praise and ongoing scrutiny from Black community leaders.