Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico is leaning into the interesting nicknames that his Republican opponent, Ken Paxton, has thrown his way. His response was to take the jabs and turn them into a brand. Talarico is now selling T-shirts that read, “I’m a Talafreako,” a moniker that Paxton first coined to attack the Democrat during his campaign.
According to Fox News, Talarico encouraged his supporters to grab the new merchandise during a general election kickoff event in Houston this week. He told the crowd, “I also saw that Ken Paxton started calling me ‘Talafreako,’ and I am proud to announce that we have ‘I’m a Talafreako’ T-shirts on our website. So, when you go home tonight, make sure you grab one.”
This name-calling started at one of Paxton’s first rallies after receiving Trump’s endorsement, despite fears of consequences. Per CNN, Paxton passed the microphone to the crowd, stating that Talarico was the “most radical US senator from Texas, maybe in the whole country, ever, so I wanted to test a few nicknames tonight and see if you can help me.” Supporters shouted out suggestions like “Low-T Talarico,” “Tofu Talarico,” and the eventual winner, “Tala-freak-o.”
Paxton’s campaign has criticized Talarico’s past remarks and views
Talarico seems to be embracing the branding. However, Fox News noted that some political strategists think the move might ultimately backfire with moderate voters in Texas.
One strategist familiar with the race said, “Talarico can’t run from his record of supporting every freaky left-wing policy under the sun.” The strategist further argued that “selling merch that says ‘Talafreako’ on it is just going to remind people that he is on the wrong side of every 80/20 issue.”
The criticism from the right seems to be relentless. Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., took to X to post, “Talarico was constructed in a Woke Lab. In the end, that dog won’t hunt.” Meanwhile, Sen. Ted Cruz, who is set to become the state’s senior senator, also posted on X, “Texas will never elect someone who thinks God is nonbinary.” This last comment is just one of Talarico’s past remarks that seemingly make Republicans feel like Talarico is too radical for the state.
In fact, Talarico’s past comments have even led to commentator arguments on CNN. Talarico addressed these controversies in a CBS interview, admitting that he had “missed the mark” with some of his past language. Ed O’Keefe specifically asked him about his 2021 comment that “God is nonbinary.”
Reporter: Ken Paxton has taken to calling you ‘Talafreako’@JamesTalarico: If Ken Paxton is worried about freaks, he should stop giving Epstein-style sweetheart deals to pedophiles. This is the guy who just released Adam Hoffman from jail, an admitted child rapist, after one of… pic.twitter.com/LZNqXn7LXn
— Team Talarico (@TeamTalaricoHQ) May 27, 2026
Talarico responded by explaining, “Well, you know, I think I was being intentionally provocative with that statement, but what it means is that God cannot be defined by human categories.” He also clarified his past comments regarding gender.
Talarico told CBS, “I know there are two sexes, men and women. I also know there is a very small percentage of people who have these chromosomal abnormalities, and I believe they deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.”
Ken Paxton is throwing everything he has at us.
— James Talarico (@jamestalarico) May 29, 2026
He’s called me a radical leftist. He’s called me a fake Christian. He’s even called me a vegan!
I’m an 8th generation Texan — I've been eating BBQ since before Ken Paxton’s first indictment. pic.twitter.com/9u56dX8mLQ
Despite the negative framing from his opponents, some believe Talarico’s strategy of co-opting the insult is a sign of strength. Eric Koch, founder of Downfield Strategies, told Fox News that he “love[s]” the campaign’s decision to embrace the jab.
Koch noted that the campaign is effectively shifting the focus toward Paxton’s own record. Talarico has consistently labeled Paxton as the “most corrupt politician in America,” claiming he has “sold us out for years.”
🚨NEW MERCH DROP🚨
— Team Talarico (@TeamTalaricoHQ) May 28, 2026
Ken Paxton has started calling James “Talafreako” — so we put it on a t-shirt.
Get your very own I’M A TALAFREAKO shirt today: https://t.co/iV4gmTsZTh pic.twitter.com/gihZiJzhr2
Talarico has pledged that if he is elected to the Senate, his first move will be to file a “comprehensive anti-corruption package.” He stated that this would include a ban on “unlimited donations” from corporate political action committees and super PACs.
He also intends to ban congressional stock trading, the institution of term limits, and a national ban on gerrymandering. Another desire of his is to “overhaul” the Supreme Court.
Miller: When Talarico goes in for a blood test when he gets a physical, blood doesn't come out. Soy milk comes out. This man has less testosterone than Jasmine Crockett. They would choose a person who looks like he doesn't belong in the senate but in a cabaret show. pic.twitter.com/YAqjNdHklz
— Acyn (@Acyn) May 29, 2026
Talarico has also sought to contrast his own legislative record with his opponent’s. Speaking on MS NOW, he asserted, “Ken Paxton has a criminal record. I have a legislative record.”
He also touted his experience in the Texas House of Representatives. In that position, he claims to have brought both parties together to pass more than 60 bipartisan bills regarding property taxes, teacher pay, housing costs, and prescription drugs.
Trump on Talarico: This transgender—this guy running in Texas, he wears a mask all the time. He’s a disaster candidate. I think Ken Paxton is going to destroy him. pic.twitter.com/I8Xmbv8l76
— Acyn (@Acyn) May 30, 2026
Paxton, however, pushed back on X that “James Talarico is too radical for California, let alone Texas.”
