Texas Senate Candidate Plans Fundraiser in NYC
James Talarico, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate from Texas, is set to attend a high-profile fundraiser in New York City this coming Monday. He’ll be joined by former Senator Sherrod Brown and a mix of Wall Street financiers, Hollywood personalities, and even a jewelry designer and filmmaker known for critiquing the U.S. and its flag.
The fundraiser, planned for September 28, is hosted by actor Robert De Niro along with several notable Democratic donors. It’s taking place at a private venue in downtown Manhattan, with top-tier tickets priced at a staggering $27,000. Actress Gina Gershon is also on the expected guest list.
This event unfolds as Talarico promotes his campaign, which he describes as a “people-powered” initiative aimed at reclaiming Texas, even though it draws a significant portion of its funding from outside the state.
According to July figures from the Texas Tribune, over 55% of Talarico’s donations came from out-of-state contributors, with around 44% from Texans. In comparison, his Republican counterpart, Ken Paxton, secured 82% of his funding from state residents.
The fundraiser’s host committee showcases influential figures such as Charles Alaimo, a major Democratic donor and managing director at Group One Trading, Cedomir Crnkovic, a former managing director at D.E. Shaw & Co. and current board member at Inclusive Abundance, and Charles Myers, founder of Signum Global Advisors and a past adviser to Hillary Clinton.
Notably, the committee also includes Alexis Bittar, a jewelry designer and filmmaker who has vocally endorsed various progressive candidates and has openly criticized the U.S. and its flag.
Bittar, whose jewelry has found its way onto the likes of former First Lady Michelle Obama, significantly backed New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and co-hosted a fundraiser for Michigan Senate candidate Abdulrahman Mohamed El-Sayed earlier this year. In a June Instagram post, he encouraged voters to support Democratic Socialists with a message: “Hey people … it’s voting time!!! Bringing in all the Democrat Socialists!! Let’s change America.”
In a striking August video alongside El-Sayed, he declared, “the traditional Democrats have one foot in the grave!! The revolution has begun!” Bittar has also cast a critical eye on Zionists and AIPAC, hinting that their influence could hinder El-Sayed’s electoral prospects.
Earlier this year, Bittar described America as a “shithole” in an interview leading up to the nation’s 250th anniversary, arguing that the American flag has morphed into a tool of aggression during Trump’s presidency. He even co-produced a 33-minute documentary about the flag, emphasizing its shift from a symbol of unity to one of division.
As a creative, he’s also behind a controversial advertising campaign featuring a fictional female serial killer named Amanda Gates, showcasing an actress in a murderous role while wearing his designs. Bittar claimed he is “always intrigued by people who kill,” a rather provocative statement he made while discussing his campaign.
The Republican National Committee’s Zach Kraft commented on Talarico’s need to seek funds outside Texas, stating, “It should be no surprise that James Talarico has to flee the Lone Star State to find donors willing to fund his flailing campaign.” He went on to criticize Talarico’s proposals that, he argued, would disrupt Texas culture and lifestyle.
This New York fundraising event adds to Talarico’s series of events with prominent Democratic donors. Just a few weeks back, notable figures like Shonda Rhimes and Damon Lindelof hosted a fundraiser for Talarico and Senator Jon Ossoff in Los Angeles. The ticket prices ranged between $1,000 and $27,000, with funds evenly distributed between the candidates. Additionally, Talarico has seen support from figures like Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, a billionaire and Hyatt heir.
Although Sherrod Brown has criticized Wall Street interests, he has reportedly accepted nearly $4.9 million from these sectors throughout his political career. Meanwhile, De Niro has recently engaged in a video initiative for Constitution Day, advocating for Americans to pledge their support for the Constitution ahead of the upcoming elections.
