Texas Senate Candidate Slams US Military Attack on Iran Girls' School

Talarico calls airstrike that killed 175 people, mostly children, 'sick to my stomach'

Mar. 13, 2026 at 2:09am

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Texas Senate candidate James Talarico (D) strongly criticized the U.S. military operation in Iran, saying the airstrike that hit a girls' school on the first day of the offensive makes him 'sick to my stomach'. Talarico, a former educator, accused the Trump administration and Republican Party of trying to distract Americans from issues like the cost of living by focusing on 'culture wars' instead of 'actual wars'.

Why it matters

The attack on the girls' school in Iran has sparked outrage and renewed debate over U.S. foreign policy and the use of military force, especially when it results in civilian casualties. As a Senate candidate, Talarico's criticism of the operation could resonate with voters concerned about America's role in global conflicts.

The details

Preliminary findings indicate that U.S. Tomahawk missiles struck the Shajarah Tayyebeh elementary school, killing around 175 people, mostly children. Officials said outdated intelligence led to the school being identified as a factory and approved as a strike target.

  • The airstrike occurred on the first day of the U.S. military operation in Iran.

The players

James Talarico

A Texas Senate candidate and former educator who won the Democratic primary last week.

Jasmine Crockett

A U.S. Representative from Texas who Talarico defeated in the Democratic primary.

Ken Paxton

The Texas Attorney General and a Republican candidate for U.S. Senate.

John Cornyn

The incumbent U.S. Senator from Texas and a Republican candidate for re-election.

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What they’re saying

“As a former educator, as someone who has fought for students and kids in the halls of the Texas Capitol, it makes me sick to my stomach to see our foreign policy take the lives of innocent children in Iran and in the Middle East. It has to end. We, again, need a foreign policy that reflects our values.”

— James Talarico, Texas Senate Candidate

“Trump's own press secretary said they're not ruling out a military draft for their new war in Iran. So what do we think the American people care more about, culture wars or actual wars? What do they care more about, pronouns or prices?”

— James Talarico, Texas Senate Candidate

What’s next

The Defense Department's investigation into the bombing of the girls' school is ongoing, and the results could further shape the debate over U.S. foreign policy and military operations in the Middle East.

The takeaway

Talarico's strong condemnation of the attack on the girls' school reflects growing concerns among some Americans about the human cost of U.S. military interventions abroad. As a Senate candidate, his criticism could resonate with voters seeking a foreign policy more aligned with American values.