Texas state Rep. James Talarico, a Democrat running for the U.S. Senate, stated Thursday that the Democratic Party "took the border for granted" under the Biden administration, acknowledging failures in border security. Talarico made these remarks during an interview on MS NOW.
When asked by host Joe Scarborough if Democrats made a mistake by not focusing enough on border security in 2021, 2022, and 2023, Talarico responded, "Absolutely." He further stated, "I’ve called out President Biden and his administration for failing to secure our southern border." Talarico recalled conversations with colleagues representing border communities who described "utter chaos" along the southern border, which he deemed unacceptable.
Talarico, who is challenging Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the November midterm elections, suggested that the election results in border counties, which largely went to Republicans, indicate a disconnect. "When you look at the 2024 election results, and you see all of those counties along the border all going red, or almost all of them going red, do you think Democrats nationwide understand what you understand, that open borders is — is no solution? In fact, it is a disaster, not only politically, but a disaster for the communities, Hispanic communities along that border," Scarborough said.
Talarico expressed that national Democrats "took the border for granted" and "stopped showing up there," leading people in South Texas to seek alternatives. He noted that Republicans made promises regarding a "common sense immigration approach" and lowering costs, but these promises, he contended, have not been kept.
The candidate also offered criticism of the Trump administration's border policies, describing them as "extremism." He pointed to proposals like a "crazy, useless border wall" in Big Bend, contrasting it with natural formations, and cited rising costs for border residents and negative impacts on small businesses due to tariffs. Talarico stated that constituents feel disillusioned and let down by both parties.
In a separate development, Talarico defeated Texas Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett in the primary for the Senate seat earlier this year. Crockett had previously stated that she did not need to campaign with Talarico, arguing that her focus was on boosting down-ballot candidates. Crockett also characterized the primary race as "racist."