Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico received a high-profile endorsement on August 29 from billionaire Mark Cuban, who campaigned alongside the candidate in Fort Worth to promote Talarico’s plan to break up healthcare monopolies.
Talarico and Cuban criticized pharmacy benefit managers and insurers during a sold-out event at the Ridglea Theater, arguing that consolidated healthcare corporations control hospitals, pharmacies, and insurance companies, driving up costs. Talarico described the system as a "racket" and stated that a "devastating diagnosis shouldn’t mean a devastating invoice." Cuban claimed that breaking up these monopolies could reduce pharmaceutical and healthcare costs by 20 to 40 percent depending on location.
The event highlighted Talarico’s proposal, co-sponsored by Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), which would prohibit common ownership between pharmacy benefit managers, insurers, and medical service providers. Cuban called Talarico "a man of character" and endorsed him for "anything," emphasizing his trust in the candidate’s leadership.
Polls show tight race between Talarico and Paxton
Recent polling indicates a highly competitive Senate race in Texas. A poll by Emerson College in August 2026 showed Ken Paxton (R) leading Talarico 47% to 46% among likely voters, with a margin of error of +/- 3%. Meanwhile, a Texas Public Opinion Research poll conducted around the same time placed Talarico ahead by 6 percentage points, with a margin of error of +/- 3.3%. The Cook Political Report recently shifted the race’s rating from "Lean Republican" to a "Toss Up" on August 20.
Talarico’s past remarks draw criticism
Talarico has faced scrutiny over past statements, including a 2025 podcast interview where he agreed with a host’s characterization of Christians as "villains" and asserted that "Christianity defining someone as a good person" was dead. He has also called for dismantling Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) amid high border crossings during the 2024 presidential administration. Critics, including conservative commentators, have questioned how these positions align with Texas’ predominantly conservative electorate.
Historical context and political implications
If elected, Talarico would become the first Democrat to win a U.S. Senate seat in Texas since Sen. Lloyd Bentsen’s reelection in 1988. President Donald Trump, who won Texas with 56.1% of the vote in 2024, has publicly criticized Talarico, referring to him as "Tala-freako." The race remains one of the most closely watched contests in the 2026 midterm elections, with implications for control of the U.S. Senate.