Talarico Rallies Supporters in Midland, Targeting Billionaires and ICE

Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico draws large crowd, denounces political division and corruption

Feb. 23, 2026 at 10:54pm

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James Talarico, a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Texas, held a rally and meet-and-greet at the Bush Convention Center in Midland on Sunday. Talarico touted his grassroots campaign gains, slammed billionaires and ICE, and addressed the recent controversy over CBS not broadcasting his interview on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert", which has since garnered over 8.8 million views on YouTube.

Why it matters

Talarico's rally in the conservative stronghold of Midland highlights his efforts to build a broad coalition of support, including reaching out to Democrats, Republicans, and independents. His criticisms of billionaire influence and ICE's tactics reflect key progressive policy positions that could resonate with voters frustrated with the political status quo.

The details

At the rally, Talarico frequently targeted billionaires and the wealthy elite, whom he sees as the real opponents rather than Republicans. He specifically called out Midland oilman Tim Dunn for donating millions to conservative causes. Talarico also spoke about his opposition to ICE, calling for the agency's dissolution and the impeachment of the Secretary of Homeland Security. The rally drew a large crowd, with many attendees forced to stand due to a lack of seating. In addition to Talarico, the event featured several other Democratic candidates running for state and federal offices.

  • Talarico held the rally on Sunday, February 23, 2026.
  • The CBS interview that sparked controversy was recorded in late 2025 and has since garnered over 8.8 million views on YouTube.

The players

James Talarico

A Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Texas, currently serving as the state representative for District 50 in the northern Austin area.

Tim Dunn

A Midland oilman who has donated millions of dollars in support of conservative causes, according to Talarico.

Cathy Broadrick

A Democratic candidate running for Texas' 82nd House of Representatives District, currently represented by Republican Tom Craddick.

Pedro Ruiz

A Democratic candidate running for Texas' 11th congressional district, currently represented by Republican August Pfluger.

Claire Reynolds

A Democratic candidate running for Texas' 11th congressional district, currently represented by Republican August Pfluger.

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What they’re saying

“We're not just trying to win an election; we are trying to fundamentally change the politics in this state and in this country. And I am so honored that (West Texans) are all here and joining us in that effort.”

— James Talarico, Democratic Candidate for U.S. Senate

“I think it's safe to say that their plan backfired, because that interview now has millions of views. We've had so many people reaching out to the campaign, Democrats and Republicans alike, thanking us for standing up for the freedom of speech, because a threat to any of our First Amendment rights is a threat to all of our First Amendment rights.”

— James Talarico, Democratic Candidate for U.S. Senate

“I don't know about y'all, but I am tired of being pitted against my neighbor, being told to hate my neighbor. It's been more than 10 years of this kind of politics, politics as blood sport (and) total war. It ends friendships, tears families apart. It leaves us all, regardless of what side you're on, feeling terrible all the time.”

— James Talarico, Democratic Candidate for U.S. Senate

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Talarico's rally in Midland demonstrates his efforts to build a broad coalition of support, reaching out to Democrats, Republicans, and independents alike. His criticisms of billionaire influence and ICE's tactics reflect key progressive policy positions that could resonate with voters frustrated with the political status quo.