Talarico Confronts GOP Masculinity Attacks in Texas Senate Bid as 49% of Men Call Him Too Far Left
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Aug 3
Talarico Confronts GOP Masculinity Attacks in Texas Senate Bid as 49% of Men Call Him Too Far Left
3 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Aug 3
Summary
James Talarico is openly countering Republican attacks on his manhood in the Texas Senate race, arguing men care more about housing, healthcare and grocery costs than taunts about his diet, faith or sexuality.
Ken Paxton’s camp and allied Republicans have mocked the 37-year-old Democrat as weak and effeminate, citing past remarks on veganism and gender; Talarico has answered with debate challenges, sports-event ads and appearances aimed at young male voters.
The strategy matters beyond Texas because Democrats see the seat as a potential pickup after nearly 40 years and a possible path to Senate control, while both parties compete for young, Black and Hispanic men who shifted right in 2024.
Polling signals are mixed: Talarico’s campaign says the race is a toss-up and points to Hispanic gains, but Third Way adviser Lucas Holtz cited a recent survey in which 49% of men viewed Talarico as too far left.
Texas Democrats and outside analysts say affordability and anti-establishment anger could blunt culture-war attacks, making Talarico’s response a test case for how Democrats try to reconnect with male voters nationally.