Texas state representative James Talarico, a Democrat known nationally for criticizing Republican billionaires' influence in politics, has accepted significant campaign funds from a PAC backed by one of the wealthiest donors in the Republican Party.
According to Texas campaign finance records, Talarico’s largest single donor for his 2024 state House reelection bid was Texas Sands PAC, funded by casino mogul Miriam Adelson. Adelson, the widow of the late Sheldon Adelson, is a prominent supporter of President Donald Trump (R) and a figure often criticized by liberal activists.
Talarico received $59,000 from Texas Sands PAC through donations made in February and December 2024. This makes the PAC not only his biggest donor last year but also one of his largest donors since he first ran for office in 2018.
Talarico is reportedly considering a run for the Texas Senate. This could test how his financial ties to a Republican-linked PAC impact support among progressive voters.
When asked about the funding, Talarico’s spokesperson Antonio Esparza emphasized the representative’s push for campaign finance reform.
“Rep. Talarico believes our campaign finance system is deeply broken,” Esparza said. “That’s why he filed legislation to cap campaign contribution limits in the state of Texas.”
Esparza added that Talarico “will not unilaterally disarm and let Texas Republicans play by different rules” until campaign finance laws change.
Talarico has openly criticized wealthy donors’ influence over Texas politics.
On “The Joe Rogan Experience,” he accused Republican billionaires of controlling the state government, naming GOP contributors like Tim Dunn and Farris Wilks, who have made fortunes in oil and fracking.
“Basically every single Republican state senator in Texas has taken their money. Every single one,” Talarico said. “A majority of the Republicans in the state House have taken their money. They increasingly run this whole government here in Texas.”
