Talarico courts Black voters in Texas Senate bid as outreach draws scrutiny

HOUSTON — James Talarico, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Texas, is intensifying his outreach to Black voters as he seeks to defeat Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton and become the first Democrat to win a statewide race in Texas since 1994.

At a town hall in Houston earlier this year, Talarico faced pointed questions from Juli McShay, a political science professor, who told him that ideas she and others had offered for engaging Black voters had not been acted upon. "You're saying one thing, but we're waiting on the action," she said. Talarico responded by asking for both patience and urgency, noting that some suggestions had already been implemented and more were forthcoming.

Polls over the summer showed a large majority of Black voters already backed Talarico, but he has labored to expand that support and counter any perception that Democrats take Black voters for granted. His campaign announced a $25 million investment to reach Black voters in Texas, and he has secured an endorsement from the political arm of the Congressional Black Caucus. He has also hired veteran Black political operatives and Black-owned firms, visited Black churches and businesses, and appeared on Black media programs.

Two months after the town hall, McShay said she was encouraged by some of Talarico's decisions. She is preparing a report card for the Houston outlet the Forward Times, saying he might earn a "C or a B" rather than an A+. She cited the hiring of operative Delilah Agho-Otoghile as a positive step, noting that campaign events she has organized show intentionality.

Talarico defeated U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, who is Black, in the Democratic primary. Crockett had faced racially charged attacks on social media, and McShay wanted Talarico to condemn that vitriol more forcefully. At the town hall, he did so, saying, "If you claim to be my supporter, if you claim to be a part of this movement that we are building, please keep Congressman Crockett's name out of your mouth." He added that she is a leader in the state and the country who deserves the utmost respect.

Some voters remain wary. Edward Richard, who is in his 70s and lived through the Civil Rights Movement, said in July he would likely vote for Talarico but wanted to see more of him to answer the question, "Are you for us?" He and his wife described persistent problems in their neighborhood, including food deserts, grocery thefts, and slow responses to complaints about tree limbs, sewage, and running water. "We're looking for the candidate that's going to at least meet us halfway, at least listen to us," he said.

U.S. Rep. Christian Menefee, a Houston-area Democrat who has campaigned with Talarico, said Black communities apply a "litmus test" to all politicians, regardless of race. He praised Talarico for entering Black spaces and listening to feedback, adding that he could not think of another statewide general-election candidate who has done more to reach Black communities. Menefee also dismissed online skepticism about Talarico's support in Houston, recalling a rousing applause at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church.

McShay acknowledged that some may view Talarico's appearances at events like Sunday Funday as pandering, but she said that is the role of someone running for office. She added that she is waiting to see where and how the $25 million is spent, and that while Talarico has improved, there is still room for growth.