James Talarico, the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Texas, said in a podcast released Monday that he would be willing to work with President Donald Trump on a range of issues.
“As Texas’s next senator, I’d love to work with Donald Trump to deliver on some of the promises behind his political movement,” Talarico told podcast host Steven Bartlett. He said the MAGA movement had pledged to reshape government so it served people who had been overlooked, and argued there was still time to make that happen.
Talarico said he would cooperate with Trump on expanding access to health care and child care, as well as addressing housing shortages. He pointed to Trump’s background in construction and said they could work together to cut regulations and build more homes.
He also suggested that a strong Democratic showing in the midterms could give Trump’s presidency a fresh start. If voters elected leaders willing to hold the president accountable, Talarico said, that could help renew his administration.
Talarico added that a Democratic victory on Tuesday might serve as a warning to Trump and his team. He said the administration should change direction if Democrats secured a supermajority in Congress.
His offer to work across party lines comes after months of Trump criticizing him online and campaigning in person for Talarico’s opponent, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Trump has repeatedly used mocking nicknames for Talarico, called him unelectable in Texas and described him as a vegan, which Talarico denies.
Former White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt questioned whether Talarico’s stated willingness to cooperate with Trump was genuine during an appearance Tuesday on “FOX & Friends.” She said Democrats often present themselves as moderate after securing their party’s nomination, then govern from the left once elected.
Leavitt cited a series of remarks she attributed to Talarico, including comments about Christianity, gender and the southern border. She also accused him of supporting the abolition of ICE and opening prisons, and argued he would not work with Trump on border security or deportations.
She said Talarico would instead join congressional Democrats in opposing the administration’s policies, and urged Texans to vote.
Talarico’s campaign and the White House did not immediately provide comment.
