Story perspectives

Talarico Gains Momentum as Texas Primary Voting Begins

2/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Texas Senate candidate James Talarico gains traction as early voting begins for the Democratic primary.
James Talarico appeared on CBS's Late Show with Stephen Colbert, which CBS says was not blocked, positioning him as a prominent opponent of the Trump administration.
This controversy has energized Democratic activists, who see Talarico as a potential challenger against Republicans.
The primary is set for March 3, 2026, amid heightened competition in Texas politics.

History

Historical Context

The 2020 Texas Democratic primary marked a significant political shift, with over 1.5 million ballots cast, reflecting heightened voter engagement. This surge followed a 1.8 million increase in registered voters since 2016, driven by mobilization efforts against Republican dominance. As early voting for the 2026 primary begins, figures like James Talarico are pivotal in galvanizing Democratic support, indicating potential changes in Texas's political landscape.

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Story summary

Texas Senate candidate James Talarico gains traction as early voting begins for the Democratic primary.
James Talarico appeared on CBS's Late Show with Stephen Colbert, which CBS says was not blocked, positioning him as a prominent opponent of the Trump administration.
This controversy has energized Democratic activists, who see Talarico as a potential challenger against Republicans.
The primary is set for March 3, 2026, amid heightened competition in Texas politics.

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