James Talarico, the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Texas, has previously expressed support for restorative justice practices in schools, advocating for them as an alternative to traditional disciplinary measures like suspension and expulsion. In a 2020 interview, Talarico connected these educational practices to his broader vision for criminal justice reform, suggesting a move away from punitive approaches.
"I’m recently excited about the formation of a bipartisan criminal justice reform caucus in the Texas House with prominent Democrats and prominent Republicans who understand that we have to move away from a tough-on-crime approach to a smart-on-crime approach, and that, I think, filters down to our schools," Talarico said. He further detailed his vision, stating, "We are starting in elementary school, where we really pursue restorative practices that are going to rehabilitate our students who are suffering from trauma, our students who are feeling unsafe in school and our students who harm a classroom community."
Restorative justice, as described by groups like Texas Appleseed, focuses on how student behavior has harmed others and how to make amends, aiming to build community and strengthen student-school connections rather than solely relying on punishments. Talarico has characterized this approach as more rigorous and effective than expulsion or suspension.
In 2021, Talarico introduced legislation in the Texas legislature, HB 62, which aimed to move schools away from in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension, and alternative educational programs. The bill did not advance out of committee.
Following incidents like the 2022 Uvalde school shooting, some Republican lawmakers have voiced concerns about less punitive disciplinary approaches. State Rep. Steve Toth, a Republican, stated, "if you've got a kid that is violent and is consistently violent, and they've been violent toward other children and teachers, then we either have to reach that kid or we have to remove that kid. They shouldn't be in the classroom. Period."
Talarico's past statements also include broader critiques of the carceral system. In a 2022 speech to incarcerated students, he said, "If we took just half of what we spent on wars, prisons, and policing and spent it on education, health care, and jobs, we could make prisons obsolete." He also described prisons as a form of violence, stating, "My experience as a teacher, a legislator, and a Christian tells me that birds don’t belong in cages; children don’t belong in cages; people don’t belong in cages. Poverty is violence. Pollution is violence. And yes, prison is violence."
Talarico's campaign has stated that he prioritizes both safety and smart-on-crime approaches, highlighting his membership in the state's criminal reform caucus. A campaign spokesperson noted Talarico's efforts to pass bills denying bail for violent criminals and supporting law enforcement, while also criticizing his opponent, former Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, for his public safety record.
Talarico is set to face Paxton in the general election on November 3.