In a political moment where traditional media often misses the mark with younger and more disillusioned voters, Texas State Representative James Talarico has found an unexpected megaphone: Joe Rogan’s wildly popular podcast. The 36-year-old Democrat, known for his viral TikToks connecting Christian faith with progressive politics, appeared on Rogan’s show in a candid, unscripted conversation that spanned everything from policy to spirituality. The interview, released Friday, is already generating buzz as Talarico weighs a potential bid for the U.S. Senate.
Talarico, currently studying theology at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, about his experience on the show and how it reflects broader opportunities for Democrats to reach new audiences.
In an interview with POLITICO Magazine Talarico expressed: “Joe Rogan speaks for a lot of people who don’t feel like they belong in either political party.”
That cross-partisan skepticism, he argues, is exactly the kind of space Democrats need to engage with if they want to rebuild trust and expand their coalition in red states like Texas.
The invitation came after Rogan saw a viral video of Talarico opposing legislation to post the Ten Commandments in public schools. Initially surprised by the request, Talarico described the podcast’s laid-back atmosphere and Rogan’s genuine curiosity. What followed was a two-and-a-half-hour exchange that delved into the moral failures of the American political system, the spiritual crises among young people, and the path forward for a fractured electorate.
Beyond the podcast itself, Talarico sees a broader lesson for his party. He urges Democrats to step outside their media comfort zones and speak directly to voters in less filtered, more authentic settings. “That kind of risk-taking is necessary,” he said. He also emphasized the need for generational change and stronger listening from Democrats in red and purple states, those, he said, who have no choice but to work across party lines.
While Talarico has not formally announced a Senate run, his interview with Rogan has fueled speculation. If he does enter the race, he’ll likely face a field that may include Rep. Colin Allred and others. But with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton looming as a potential Republican nominee, Talarico believes the stakes couldn’t be higher.
“The fact that Ken Paxton, the most corrupt politician in the state of Texas, could be our next U.S. senator, is terrifying… Paxton represents everything that is wrong with our political system, — the corruption, the extremism, the cruelty.” he said. “And I think in this race, we have an opportunity to prosecute the case, not just against Ken Paxton the man, but Ken Paxton as the symbol for everything that’s wrong with politics today,” he added.
Whether he runs or not, Talarico’s message is clear: reaching across divides, even uncomfortable ones, may be the best way forward for a Democratic Party in search of renewal.
