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James Talarico Challenges Ken Paxton in Texas Senate Race

By Drooid · Oct 7, 2026, 4:30 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

James Talarico (D-Texas) is challenging Republican Ken Paxton for a Texas Senate seat.
Talarico said Texas schools are “not built” for poor students and students of color.
He introduced the 2019 “Whole Student Agenda” bill covering sex education and restorative justice.
He led legislation mandating DEI officers and explicit diversity instruction in every Texas classroom.
Talarico called bills “conspiracy theory-driven” and his campaign denied a claim a firm received millions from the Texas Education Agency.

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Story summary

James Talarico (D-Texas) is challenging Republican Ken Paxton for a Texas Senate seat.
Talarico said Texas schools are “not built” for poor students and students of color.
He introduced the 2019 “Whole Student Agenda” bill covering sex education and restorative justice.
He led legislation mandating DEI officers and explicit diversity instruction in every Texas classroom.
Talarico called bills “conspiracy theory-driven” and his campaign denied a claim a firm received millions from the Texas Education Agency.