James Talarico (James Dell Talarico), born May 17, 1989, in Round Rock, Texas, is a 36-year-old American politician, former teacher, and pastor-in-training. Talarico is known for progressive policies, education reform, and his opposition to Christian nationalism.
James Talarico Wiki/Bio
| Field | Details |
| Full Name | James Dell Talarico |
| Date of Birth | May 17, 1989 |
| Age | 36 (as of July 19, 2025) |
| Profession | Politician, Former Teacher, Pastor-in-Training |
| Known For | Texas House Representative, Education Reform, Anti-Christian Nationalism |
| Hometown | Round Rock, Texas, USA |
| Current Residence | Austin, Texas, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Presbyterian Christian |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
| Education | B.A. (UT Austin), M.A. (Harvard), M.Div. (Austin Seminary) |
| Instagram ID | @jamestalarico |
Physical Details
| Attribute | Details |
| Height | 6’0” (183 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 170 lbs (77 kg) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Brown |
Early Life & Education
Born to Tamara Causey and adopted by Mark Talarico, James was raised in a progressive Presbyterian household in Williamson County, Texas. Influenced by Pastor Jim Rigby at St. Andrew’s Church, and inspired by his grandfather, a Baptist minister, Talarico developed a passion for justice through faith.
He attended McNeil High School, then earned a B.A. in Government from the University of Texas at Austin (2011), where he joined the Friar Society and led student activism for college affordability. He later completed an M.A. in Education Policy from Harvard (2015) and his Master of Divinity in 2025.
Family Details
| Field | Details |
| Father | Mark Talarico (adoptive) |
| Mother | Tamara Causey |
| Siblings | One younger sister |
| Marital Status | Single |
Career Highlights
Talarico won his first election in 2018 for District 52, defeating Cynthia Flores after walking 25 miles across the district. He helped pass House Bill 3, which allocated $11.6 billion to school finance reform and property tax cuts. After redistricting in 2022, he moved to District 50, winning reelection in 2022 and 2024 with over 75% of the vote.
As a legislator, he:
- Capped pre-K class sizes
- Equipped schools with Narcan
- Reduced insulin costs to $25/month (after his own Type 1 diabetes diagnosis in 2018)
- Banned reality TV policing (Javier Ambler’s Law)
He was named a Top 10 Best Legislator by Texas Monthly in 2019 and currently serves as Vice Chair of two major committees focused on education and economic development.
Career Milestones
| Milestone | Details |
| Breakthrough | Youngest Texas legislator (2018) |
| Major Awards | Texas Monthly’s Top 10 Legislators (2019) |
| Recent Work | House Bill 25 (Canadian drug imports), Master of Divinity (2025) |
| Advocacy Areas | Education reform, healthcare access, separation of church and state |
Net Worth & Income
| Field | Details |
| Estimated Net Worth | $7,200–$50,000 (2025 estimate) |
| Income Sources | Texas House salary, nonprofit work, speaking fees |
Talarico’s modest net worth reflects his public service, nonprofit career, and grassroots political approach.
Controversies
- 2019 Dennis Bonnen Scandal: Speaker Bonnen was recorded plotting against Talarico, calling him “that Talarico kid.” The incident boosted Talarico’s visibility.
- 2023 Ten Commandments Bill: He opposed Senate Bill 1515 mandating Ten Commandments displays in schools, citing church-state separation. His viral speech sparked both praise and conservative backlash.
- Christian Nationalism: Talarico criticized “Christofascism,” defended LGBTQ+ youth, and faced criticism for calling trans kids “sacred” and “made in God’s image.”
Recent Updates (2023–2025)
- Reelection (2022, 2024): Dominated the ballot in District 50 with over 75% support.
- TikTok Influence: Viral posts—especially on GOP tax cuts and Christian nationalism—grew his following to 1.2 million.
- Joe Rogan Appearance (2025): Invited to The Joe Rogan Experience after a viral video challenging Trump’s tax policy. (Source)
- Faith & Politics: Spoke at Brite Divinity School and emphasized blending progressive Christianity with legislative advocacy.
- Legislation: Continued championing public education, Narcan access, and prescription drug reform.