James Talarico Claims He's Not a Socialist – but This Video Says Something Different

Sep 01, 2026 11:45 AM
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James Talarico Claims He's Not a Socialist – but This Video Says Something Different
AP Photo/Brenda Bazán

Texas Democrat Senate candidate James Talarico does not identify as a socialist, but he sure acts like one.

Despite his campaign team insisting that he is a proud capitalist, Talarico’s words say something much different. During a recent private Zoom meeting with Austin Sierra Club activists, he said he wants to dismantle capitalism because it’s an oppressive system.

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One of the participants noted that “communities of color receive the most harm from the impacts of climate change and yet, receive the least government support to deal with it” and asked Talarico to explain how he would fight for “climate justice” and “mitigate the impacts of climate change for all Texans.”

“Yeah, and I'm, I am so thankful that you asked this question and also thankful that young activists have, have really drawn the link between climate change and white supremacy and capitalism in our country,” Talarico replied. “And I think only understanding the ways that all three of those oppressive systems work together are we gonna be able to begin the process of dismantling them.”

This isn’t the first time Talarico has attacked capitalism and advocated for more government control instead. His most often repeated critique during his campaign is that “trickle-down economics is not a theory, it is theft.”

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The candidate insists that the original premise of capitalism, that people should be fairly paid for their labor, has been replaced by a system that “rewards wealth instead of work” and referred to the current system as “crony capitalism” rather than authentic capitalism.

He frequently ties rising costs to “billionaire megadonors and their puppet politicians” who use tax breaks, bailouts, and weakened unions to steal wealth created by workers.

During an event, he was asked about class warfare. He responded by saying “we already have class warfare… billionaires waging war on the rest of us.”

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His platform calls for the government to swipe more money from corporations and billionaires and ending tax loopholes while raising the minimum wage and expanding overtime.

Talarico is right about “crony capitalism” and other issues our system has. But, despite what he claims, his solution isn’t for America to actually embrace real capitalism. He wants to replace the free market with the state so the power is concentrated in the government. The question is: Will his rhetorical sleight of hand work on Texas voters?

Editor's Note: The Democrat Party has been infected by socialism, and it's spreading FAST. Democrats are claiming there's nothing to worry about, but we know the truth.

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