Texas Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico has drawn renewed attention for past statements in which he described capitalism as an "oppressive system" that needed to be dismantled and predicted the decline of the state's fossil fuel industry. These remarks, made during a 2020 Zoom call with Sierra Club activists, have become a focal point for Talarico's Republican opponent, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, and aligned political groups.
The resurfaced comments came as Talarico, a former middle school teacher, is campaigning against Paxton in a critical Texas Senate race that could influence control of the chamber. On the 2020 call, Talarico linked climate change, white supremacy, and capitalism, stating, "I think only understanding the ways that all three of those oppressive systems work together are we going to be able to begin the process of dismantling them."
During the same forum, Talarico also voiced skepticism about the long-term viability of Texas' dominant oil and gas sector. "We all know that Texas has been a leader in oil and gas, but in many ways that’s like being the leader in cassette tapes in the 1980s. That industry is not gonna last," he said.
Talarico's campaign has responded by characterizing him as a "proud capitalist" who recognizes the need to address issues such as racism, natural disasters, and a "billionaire-controlled economy." A spokesperson for Talarico stated that while he "missed the mark on some of his past statements," Paxton has avoided addressing his own controversial remarks, including calling the Uvalde school shooting "God's plan" and describing Texas' abortion ban as beneficial for interstate commerce.
The Talarico campaign has also pointed to the state lawmaker's voting record, noting that he has supported the oil industry and aims to maintain Texas' energy dominance. His campaign website emphasizes his commitment to ensuring Texas "not only maintains, but extends" its leadership in energy.
Paxton and his Republican allies have frequently targeted Talarico for other past social issue comments, including suggestions that "God is nonbinary," that he "hates Christianity," and that there are "many more than two biological sexes."
Talarico won the Democratic Senate primary, defeating Rep. Jasmine Crockett. Paxton, a Trump ally, secured the GOP nomination after a runoff. The general election in Texas, a traditionally Republican stronghold, is considered a key battleground, with Democrats aiming to flip the seat.
Democrats have not won a Senate election in Texas in decades, but they see Paxton as potentially vulnerable due to numerous scandals and legal issues. Talarico has a significant fundraising advantage over Paxton.
Recent polling indicates a close race. A late July Fox News poll showed Talarico with a narrow 51%-48% lead over Paxton among registered voters. The survey also suggested a lack of full Republican unity behind Paxton, with 89% supporting him compared to 98% of Democrats backing Talarico.
Fox News Power Rankings recently shifted the Texas Senate race from "Lean Republican" to "toss-up."