A recently resurfaced video reveals that Texas state lawmaker and Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico addressed the aftermath of the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, describing the situation as an opportunity to end long‑standing over‑policing of communities of color.
Talarico, who is currently tied in polling with Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton for Texas’ next U.S. Senate seat, has positioned himself as a moderate and pro‑police candidate, despite a history of controversial statements.
Critics argue that the video contradicts that stance, labeling Talarico a “dangerous freak” who could endanger the state if he pursues a “woke” agenda that eliminates police, prisons, and borders.
In a September 2020 Zoom session with a South Asian American voter organization, Talarico urged policymakers to listen to Black voices and activists demanding a radically different vision of public safety, and accused Republicans of using fear to win elections.
He said that police violence against communities of color is rooted in slavery, Jim Crow, and mass incarceration, and called for a comprehensive discussion with activists, community leaders, and law enforcement to reshape public safety policy.
Talarico highlighted the city of Austin’s recent budget cuts to its police department and criticized the governor’s proposals to remove revenue streams from cities that have chosen to defund police, labeling the governor’s actions as hypocritical.
The governor responded by warning that Austin’s decisions put police officers and their families at risk and could foster lawlessness, asserting that public safety remains a top priority.
In rebuttal, Talarico’s spokesperson defended his record, stating that he has opposed defunding the police, voted to deny bail for violent criminals, and supported law‑enforcement funding and border security initiatives.
The spokesperson also accused Paxton of abusing his office to benefit wealthy donors and of allowing criminals to remain on the streets, citing concerns about rising murders and a lax approach to human trafficking.
A spokesperson for Paxton’s campaign countered that Talarico’s legislative record is consistently anti‑law‑enforcement, noting that he has supported defunding efforts and voted against banning personal bond releases for violent offenders.
The debate over police funding, criminal justice reform, and public safety continues to shape the political landscape ahead of the Senate election.
