James Talarico is a Democratic member of the Texas House of Representatives serving District 50 in Austin. An eighth-generation Texan, former public school teacher, and Presbyterian seminarian, he was first elected in 2018 at age 29, flipping a Republican-held district, and won reelection in 2020, 2022, and 2024. Notable achievements include passing legislation to cap pre-K class sizes, equip schools with Narcan to combat teen overdoses, cap insulin copays at $25 monthly, import low-cost prescription drugs from Canada, improve childcare affordability, fund student mental health programs, reform school finance, and ensure incarcerated minors can earn high school diplomas. Named one of Texas Monthly's Top 10 Best Legislators, he refuses corporate PAC money and advocates against billionaire influence in politics. As a Type 1 diabetic, he prioritizes affordable healthcare; he has gained national attention, including praise from Joe Rogan in 2025.

Education and Political Experience

• Born in Round Rock, Texas; attended Wells Branch Elementary and graduated from McNeil High School.
• Bachelor's degree in government from the University of Texas at Austin; master's degree in education policy from Harvard University.
• Taught sixth-grade Language Arts at Rhodes Middle School in a low-income San Antonio neighborhood.
• Currently a student at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary.
• Serves on Public Education Committee, Juvenile Justice and Family Issues Committee, Calendars Committee; previously Vice Chair of Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Committee and House Administration Committee.