Jewish Voter Guide
James Talarico
U.S. Senate · TX · Democrat
Summary
James Talarico is the Democratic nominee in Texas's 2026 U.S. Senate election and will face Republican nominee Ken Paxton.
James Talarico supports defensive assistance to Israel, including systems such as Iron Dome, while opposing U.S. sales of offensive weapons and seeking assurances that American funds will not be used to harm civilians. He supports a two-state solution that recognizes Israeli and Palestinian sovereignty, halts Israeli settlement expansion, and disarms Hamas. Talarico has described the October 7 attack as the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust and affirmed Israel's right to defend its people, while strongly criticizing Israel's conduct in Gaza. Talarico has stated that Iran must not obtain a nuclear weapon but favors diplomacy and opposes U.S. military involvement. He has condemned antisemitic rhetoric by political candidates, voted for a Texas law establishing a procedure for determining whether student misconduct was motivated by antisemitism. He has engaged directly with Jewish supporters and community members, although some Texas Jewish leaders have publicly called for broader and more sustained outreach.
The record
Positions come from public votes, statements and on-the-record interviews. Every claim links to its source. No aggregate score or grade.
Support for a Strong U.S.-Israel Alliance
Talarico supports continued U.S. assistance for defensive systems such as Iron Dome, while calling for an end to offensive weapons sales to the Netanyahu government and agreements preventing American funds from being used to harm civilians.
His campaign supports using U.S. diplomatic and financial leverage to secure a two-state solution that disarms Hamas, establishes a democratic Palestinian state, halts Israeli settlement expansion, and respects the sovereignty of both Israelis and Palestinians.
Preventing a Nuclear Iran
In March 2026, Talarico stated that the United States should prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, but argued that this objective could be pursued without bombing civilians or sending American troops into another prolonged Middle East war.
Condemning and Combating Terrorism
Talarico's campaign supports disarming Hamas as part of a two-state peace agreement and promoting long-term regional cooperation against adversaries including Iran. He has described Hamas's October 7 assault as a terrorist attack, while pairing support for removing Hamas from power with limits on U.S. support for Israeli offensive operations that harm civilians.
Response to Hamas's October 7 Attack
Talarico has described October 7 as the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust and affirmed that Israel has the right to defend its people.
He has also argued that the attack does not justify bombing civilians, restricting humanitarian aid, using forced famine, or imposing collective punishment in Gaza. His campaign supports preventing U.S. funds from being used in operations that harm civilians, in what has been seen as a criticism of Israel.
Protecting Jewish Students on Campus
In April 2025, Talarico voted for Texas Senate Bill 326, which established procedures for determining whether a student's violation of a code of conduct at a public school or public institution of higher education was motivated by antisemitism.
The law requires schools and public colleges to use Texas's statutory definition of antisemitism, including referenced examples, when making that determination. It also states that protected speech cannot be punished unless accompanied by conduct violating the institution's student code. Talarico voted for final passage in the Texas House.
Standing Against Political Extremism
In May 2026, Talarico condemned Democratic congressional candidate Maureen Galindo's remarks and conspiracy theories as antisemitic. He stated that antisemitic rhetoric has no place in politics and said leaders in both parties must confront hate wherever it appears.
Talarico's campaign said that he would not campaign with Galindo if she became the Democratic nominee in her congressional race.
Talarico has repeatedly condemned Christian nationalism, describing it as the use of religion to pursue political power and warning that it threatens American democracy and the separation of church and state.
Engagement with the Jewish Community
Talarico has spoken to the Meyerland Area Democrats, a Houston-area organization with significant Jewish membership, and has had direct conversations with its president, Art Pronin, about concerns within the Jewish community regarding his rhetoric on Israel. Pronin also attended a December 2025 town hall after being personally invited by Talarico.
In January 2026, Talarico sent an email to Jewish supporters in Texas outlining his positions on Israel and Jewish security. He affirmed support for defensive assistance to Israel, a two-state solution, and removing Hamas from power.
Some Texas Jewish leaders nevertheless said that his outreach had not been broad enough and urged him to meet more extensively with Jewish communal organizations.
A note on methodology. This guide is published as an educational reference. The American Jewish Congress does not endorse candidates and does not publish aggregate scores. If you spot a position that needs an update or a better source, please reach the office.