Story perspectives

James Talarico Wins Texas Primary Runoff Amid Death Prayer

4/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

James Talarico won Texas Democratic Senate primary runoff, beating Jasmine Crockett by seven points with 2.3 million votes.
A right-wing Protestant podcast host prayed God kill James Talarico, calling him demon-possessed.
Talarico says his biblical Christianity supports progressive policies like higher wages, labor organizing, immigration reform and stricter gun laws.
Catholic and other religious voters warned his faith-based branding and abortion stance, noting his church-state separation emphasis could broaden appeal.

History

Historical Context

In 2008 Barack Obama won 52.9% of the popular vote and 365 electoral votes, giving Democrats the presidency and congressional majorities together for the first time since 1992. Campaigning during the war on terror and Great Recession, his mix of progressive policies and biblical rhetoric reshaped Democratic strategy, a template later seen in Texas Democratic primaries.

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Story summary

James Talarico won Texas Democratic Senate primary runoff, beating Jasmine Crockett by seven points with 2.3 million votes.
A right-wing Protestant podcast host prayed God kill James Talarico, calling him demon-possessed.
Talarico says his biblical Christianity supports progressive policies like higher wages, labor organizing, immigration reform and stricter gun laws.
Catholic and other religious voters warned his faith-based branding and abortion stance, noting his church-state separation emphasis could broaden appeal.

1 / 2