James Talarico (born May 17, 1989) is an American politician and educator who has served in the Texas House of Representatives since 2018, where he was the youngest member at age 29. A former middle school English teacher and education nonprofit executive, he holds degrees from the University of Texas at Austin and Harvard University, and has passed 16 bills into law, many focused on education and childcare. In 2025, he announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate, and in the 2026 Democratic primary he defeated U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett. He will now face Republican nominee and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the general election. Talarico's personal story includes being adopted by his stepfather after his biological father left, and his grandfather was a Baptist preacher, which has influenced his background and values.