Ted Cruz Warns James Talarico Would Govern Like Bernie Sanders

Cruz argued that Talarico’s recent attempts to soften past statements on gender, capitalism and transgender policy are a strategic rebrand rather than a genuine shift, suggesting the young candidate could wield a progressive agenda for decades.

Newsweek

James Talarico, a 37-year-old state representative, is contesting the seat held by Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton. Cruz framed the contest as a national ideological showdown, contrasting Talarico’s projected progressive stance with Sanders’ long-standing popularity—Sanders has consistently topped Morning Consult’s approval tracker with ratings above 60 percent. By invoking Sanders, Cruz seeks to portray Talarico as a generational progressive force rather than a moderate Democrat.

Newsweek

The campaign has become entangled in a media-access controversy. Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel said the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) pressured ABC to pull his interview with Talarico, alleging the agency’s stance shifted after President Donald Trump returned to the White House. Kimmel described the FCC’s actions as “retaliatory and unprecedented.” A similar episode earlier this year involved Stephen Colbert, whose interview with Talarico was blocked by CBS lawyers and posted online instead. ABC and Disney have sued the FCC, accusing it of First Amendment violations; the FCC has denied the allegations.

Newsweek

Cruz asserted that Talarico would “lie to the voters, then get in power,” and warned that the candidate might even adopt a “Make America Great Again” red hat as a façade. Kimmel contended that the FCC’s pressure on networks represents a politically motivated attack on editorial decisions. The FCC rejected the lawsuit’s claims, maintaining that its actions complied with equal-time rules.

Newsweek

• “Lie to the voters, then get in power,” — Ted Cruz, texas senator — Ted Cruz, Texas senator

Newsweek