Texas Senate hopeful James Talarico is facing criticism for remarks made about the jury composition in the murder trial of Karmelo Anthony. Talarico, a Democrat seeking to become the first party member elected to the Texas Senate from his district since 1988, suggested that the conviction of Anthony, who is Black, was indicative of a justice system that is not serving Black Texans equitably.
During an appearance on "The Breakfast Club" radio show earlier this month, Talarico stated, "I’m not an expert on this particular case, but I know that there were no black members of the jury, and to me that’s the only evidence you need to really prove that this system is not working for black Texans."
Anthony, 18, was convicted in June of first-degree murder for the April 2025 killing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf. The altercation occurred at a Frisco, Texas track and field meet following a dispute over seating. Prosecutors stated that Metcalf, who is white, told Anthony to leave a team tent, and Anthony responded by fatally stabbing him.
A Collin County jury, comprising White, Asian, and Hispanic members, deliberated for approximately three hours before reaching a guilty verdict. Anthony was sentenced to 35 years in prison.
Following Talarico's comments, conservative figures accused him of siding with the convicted killer and engaging in political pandering. Texas Republican Senate nominee Ken Paxton wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that Anthony was a "violent criminal who killed Austin Metcalf in cold blood" and that Talarico "sides with a murderer."
Rep. Brandon Gill, also a Republican from Texas, echoed this sentiment, stating, "Karmelo Anthony stabbed 17-year-old Austin Metcalf to death for absolutely no reason. And [Talarico] sides with the killer."
Conservative pundit Scott Jennings commented on X that Talarico's remarks were "pandering insanity." Turning Point USA spokesman Andrew Kolvet suggested Talarico's comments were an attempt to pander for Black votes, particularly after failing to secure the support of Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, whom Talarico defeated in the Democratic primary.
One X user critically remarked, "Everyone who fatally stabs someone in the heart in front of a lot of people and then confesses the crime to the cops deserves a US Senator who advocates for him and his rights this passionately."
A conservative lawyer expressed concern on X about Talarico's "implied belief that racial quotas are necessary for juries," noting that while jury selection prohibits discrimination, Talarico seemed to advocate for a form of racial balancing.
![James Talarico speaking on "The Breakfast Club."]( "James Talarico speaking on "The Breakfast Club."" ) Talarico's campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the backlash.
