Texas Senate Candidate Talarico Faces Backlash Over 'Obama Memoirs' Assignment

Critics claim the Democrat's past as a public school teacher raises concerns about his political agenda.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 1:27pm

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Texas Senate candidate James Talarico, a Democrat, is facing criticism after it was revealed that as a public school teacher, he had his sixth-grade students write 'Obama memoirs' celebrating the former president's election. Conservative commentators and groups have slammed the assignment as 'disqualifying' for a Senate hopeful in Texas.

Why it matters

The controversy over Talarico's 'Obama memoirs' assignment highlights concerns from conservatives about perceived political indoctrination in public schools. As a Senate candidate, Talarico's past actions as an educator are being scrutinized, with critics claiming he pushed a progressive agenda in the classroom.

The details

In Facebook posts from 2012, Talarico shared that his sixth-grade students wrote memoirs from the perspective of the Obama family on election night. One student's memoir praised 'those lovely words that came out of his mouth' during Obama's speech. Talarico also displayed the memoirs on a 'Wall of Fame' in his classroom. Critics have also pointed to other social media posts where Talarico labeled figures like Obama and Julián Castro as 'free thinkers' in a classroom display.

  • In November 2012, Talarico announced his students had finished writing 'Obama memoirs'.
  • On November 16, 2012, Talarico shared an image of a 'Wall of Fame' displaying the Obama memoirs.

The players

James Talarico

A Democratic candidate for the Texas Senate and former public school teacher in San Antonio who assigned his sixth-grade students to write 'Obama memoirs'.

Corey DeAngelis

A school choice advocate and research fellow at the Heritage Foundation who called Talarico's assignment 'disqualifying' for a Senate candidate.

John Cornyn

The incumbent Republican U.S. Senator from Texas who is currently locked in a primary runoff with state Attorney General Ken Paxton.

Ken Paxton

The Texas state Attorney General who is currently in a bitter primary runoff with incumbent Senator John Cornyn.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

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

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.