Obama Backs Talarico and Hinojosa In Texas Fight To Turn Blue
Former President Barack Obama appeared with James Talarico in Austin, Texas, on Tuesday, aiming to boost the rising Democratic figure in his uphill bid to flip a U.S. Senate seat in a reliably Republican state.
The appearance, at Taco Joint, a restaurant across from the University of Texas, was part of Obama’s effort to elevate a new generation of Democratic leaders as the party heads into the 2026 midterms, a highly competitive year for control of the U.S. House and potentially the U.S. Senate.
Obama arrived at the restaurant and met with Talarico and Gina Hinojosa, a Democratic state representative who is challenging Republican Gov. Greg Abbott as he runs for a fourth term as governor.
“Do you know our outstanding next governor and senator?” Obama said as he went from table to table introducing himself to patrons, some appearing shocked to see the former president, along with members of Talarico’s staff and immediate family.
Talarico Builds A National Profile In Senate Race
Talarico, 36, is a state representative and Presbyterian seminarian who has been building a national profile through his blend of progressive politics and vocal Christian faith.
His campaign is focused on flipping a U.S. Senate seat in Texas, a state where Democrats have struggled to win statewide office for decades.
Hinojosa, 52, is also facing long odds in her race against Abbott, who has already built a campaign war chest of nearly $100 million. Her appearance alongside Obama and Talarico placed both Democrats at the top of the Texas ticket in the national spotlight.
Also Read: Talarico Campaign Blasts Cornyn After Senator Calls $4 Gas a “Small Price to Pay”
Obama’s Visit Adds National Attention
Tuesday’s event echoed Obama’s recent appearance with Mayor Zohran Mamdani at a childcare center in New York last month. But unlike that event, which came after Mamdani had already been in office for more than three months, Obama’s appearance with Talarico and Hinojosa came during what is expected to be a hard fought and expensive election battle through November.
The candidates and Obama spent about 30 minutes making small talk and posing for photos. Most diners wanted to meet Obama and take cellphone photos with him, while Talarico also took a few pictures during the visit.
The event stopped short of a formal endorsement.
“Remember to vote,” Obama called as he walked out with a bag that included two street tacos and one mole.
