Surrounded James Talarico vs 20 Undecided Voters
Dec 14, 2025
Texas State Representative James Talarico, a former middle school teacher and Presbyterian seminarian, takes on 20 undecided Texas voters about critical issues. He argues that cuts to healthcare and food assistance harm all communities and emphasizes that immigrants strengthen the nation’s economy. Talarico advocates for a public option in healthcare and stresses the importance of grassroots organizing to tackle big money in politics. He also insists that the real divide isn't left vs. right, but the interests of working people against the wealthy elite.
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Classroom Moment That Shaped Policy
- James Talarico recounts being a public school teacher and seeing hungry students unable to learn.
- That classroom experience shaped his push for food assistance and health care policies.
Push For A Public Option
- Support a public option to create competition and lower costs in healthcare.
- Expand Medicare access so people can choose high-quality, low-cost coverage.
Personal Health Crisis Drives Legislation
- Talarico told the story of his sudden Type 1 diabetes diagnosis and an initial $684 insulin cost.
- He used that experience to push and pass a Texas cap on insulin co-pays at $25.