These records cover Talarico's racial analysis, DEI legislation, racial-repair economic proposals and a campaign donation to a group advocating a shift from police funding. His current law-and-order message is presented as a contrast to that earlier record, not a resolution of it.
4 records in this section
In social media posts later revisited by the New York Post, Talarico used a contagion metaphor to describe race in America. He made clear the virus in the metaphor was racism, including in people who display no overt racist symbols.
“White skin gives me and every white American immunity from the virus. But we spread it wherever we go.”
Talarico promoted legislation providing for diversity, equity and inclusion instruction and for DEI officers in districts above a specified size, as reported by the Texas Tribune.
Talarico directed a $2,500 campaign donation to the Austin Justice Coalition, a group that advocated shifting police funding toward social programs, and he defended the donation when it drew criticism.
Conservative assessment
The campaign's law-and-order message deserves to be measured against where his campaign money went.
Responding to a reparations question at a DeSoto town hall, Talarico advocated tuition relief, homeownership grants and baby bonds as ways to invest in Black communities and address past injustices. The remarks did not specify a cash payment, price tag or eligibility formula.
“We have to correct the injustices of our past.”
2022 speech · Guns & public safety
At a graduation ceremony for incarcerated students, Talarico proposed moving half the spending on wars, prisons and policing into education, health care and jobs, arguing that this could eventually eliminate the need for prisons.
James Talarico's record on the economy and immigration: his corporate tax and executive-pay proposals, opening Medicare to every American, legalization and work permits, and his 2020 capitalism remarks.
James Talarico's record on guns and public safety: his 2020 support for an assault-weapons and magazine ban, his proposal to shift prison and policing spending, and marijuana legalization.
Recorded votes, an authored amendment and the legislation Talarico has pushed in the Texas House.