Talarico addresses the crowd during his 25 minute speech at Houston’s Escapade Dance Hall. He spoke about ICE, affordability, and the lack of compassion in politics.
At the final stop of James Talarico’s Take Back Texas Tour, held the night before the election at Escapade Dance Hall in Houston, nearly every seat in the building was taken.
Supporters cheer for Talarico as he exits the stage. The audience was regularly on their feet, clapping and waving signs, during the 25 minute speech.
Talarico told the crowd on Monday that he has had Republicans approach him after rallies to admit they aren’t Democrats but still support him.
“There is a deep hunger for a different kind of politics,” he said to the crowd. “Not a politics of fear, not a politics of hate, not a politics of division, but a politics of love.
“A love for the state, a love for this country. And most importantly, a love for all of our neighbors. A love that can heal all that is wrong in this country.”
Talarico was introduced by a lineup of speakers that included Mario Castello, a city council member, and Carlos Eduardo Espina, a Uruguayan-American social media influencer with over 20 million followers. His walk-off music was from Bad Bunny.
Talarico repeatedly spoke against ICE and called for the impeachment of Director of Homeland Security Kristi Noem.
The following day Talarico won the Democratic Senate primary, beating Rep. Jasmine Crockett by 6 points, winning 60% of districts that are predominantly Hispanic.
About 25 volunteers stood outside prior to the event to inform all attendees of where and when to vote.
Abby Gough, a volunteer and longtime Houstonian, said, “I just have really never been more excited about a Texas candidate as I am [about] James Talarico”
Volunteer Laura Zamora said that Talarico’s successful grassroots campaign “feels authentic” and gives her hope that he can appeal to the broad audience of a general election.
Democrats are seeking their first statewide election victory in Texas in 30 years.