Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico, who once tweeted during the 2020 riots, “If George Floyd was a blonde salon owner,” has made donations to groups advocating for defunding the Austin Police Department. He has also voted against measures aimed at increasing police staffing amidst a rise in homicides and described ICE as a “secret police force” that needs to be “dismantled.”
After George Floyd’s death in May 2020, Talarico lamented that he wished Floyd had been a “blonde salon owner,” questioning the absence of “anti-government protesters” when “a black man is murdered by the state.” He later emphasized the need to “dismantle white supremacy and systemic racism.”
In response to critiques of his post, Talarico defended his stance, saying that “True love is holding your friends to a higher standard.” He expressed a desire for conservatives to join in the “fight for justice.”
During his 2020 State Legislative Election Campaign, Talarico donated $2,500 to the Austin Justice Coalition, bringing attention to both Floyd and Javier Ambler, a black man who died after law enforcement used excessive force during a traffic stop in 2019.
Talarico proudly announced that his campaign supports efforts toward “educational equity, economic opportunity, and police reform,” encouraging his followers to contribute because they believe in the #BlackLivesMatter movement.
A few months later, the Austin City Council enacted cuts of about $150 million from the police department’s budget. Following these measures, homicide rates in Austin reportedly surged by nearly 50%.
In 2021, Talarico opposed Austin’s Proposal A, which aimed to ensure a minimum of two police officers per 1,000 residents, a plan supporters argued was crucial given the escalating homicide rates. The measure ultimately failed, with significant financial backing from organizations like George Soros’ Open Policy Center.
Talarico criticized Republicans for using “the scare tactic of ‘defunding the police,'” claiming true public safety comes from community investment.
Upon winning the Democratic nomination in March 2026, Alex Soros helped amplify Talarico’s message of reclaiming Texas.
The Texas Republican Party reacted strongly against efforts to defund the Austin police, introducing House Bill 1900, which penalizes large cities and continues to reduce police budgets. Talarico voted against this bill.
In a 2022 speech, Talarico labeled prisons as inherently violent, advocating for a systemic overhaul and emphasizing that “human beings are not in cages.” He asserted that poverty and pollution are forms of violence as well.
Talarico also voted against the Damon Allen Act, which tightens bail requirements for violent and sex offenders.
A spokesperson for the Republican National Committee criticized Talarico, suggesting it was troubling that he had speculated about George Floyd’s race and gender in a context deemed insensitive. They accused him of prioritizing criminals over community safety.
On the other hand, Talarico’s campaign spokesperson claimed he does not advocate for defunding the police and has consistently supported law enforcement funding, arguing that misleading narratives from opposing politicians have been harmful.
Talarico’s criticisms extend to federal immigration enforcement. He collaborates with groups pushing to abolish ICE, encouraging undocumented immigrants to resist deportation. At a recent rally, he invited supporters to “stand up and fight back” against federal actions.
In March 2026, he reiterated his opposition to the Department of Homeland Security candidates who label ICE as a “secret police” and called federal immigration enforcement “immoral” and “unacceptable,” praising his undocumented students as patriotic.
Talarico is set to face off against the winner of the May 26 Republican runoff—Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton or Senator John Cornyn—in November. Recent polls show a tight race among these Republican candidates, reflecting uncertainty about who will pose a stronger challenge to Talarico in the general election.
