Texas Senate Race: Cruz’s Concerns Over Talarico and Comparison to Sanders

Texas Senator Ted Cruz has intensified his criticism of Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico through his podcast. Cruz cautioned supporters that if elected, the 37-year-old would emerge as “the most woke left-wing senator the country has ever seen,” likening him to Bernie Sanders. Sanders, known for his high approval ratings, has been influential in shaping the Democratic Party’s progressive agenda.

Talarico is contesting Texas Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton in the state’s U.S. Senate race. The campaign has become a focal point in a wider debate involving media access, federal regulation, and political discourse. Controversies have surfaced regarding FCC pressure on late-night programs and aggressive heckling at the GOP midterm convention.

Cruz compared Talarico to Sanders during a detailed critique of Talarico’s past statements on his podcast, Verdict with Ted Cruz. He accused Talarico of attempting a strategic makeover, saying, “Lie to the voters, then get in power.” Cruz expressed concern that if elected, Talarico could maintain a Sanders-like influence for decades given his age.

Cruz stated, “If God forbid this guy ever got elected, he would be Bernie Sanders, but 37 and young enough to do it for the next 40 years.”

Newsweek has approached both Talarico and Paxton’s campaigns for comments.

Why Cruz Is Using Bernie Sanders as a Benchmark

Bernie Sanders has consistently ranked as America’s most popular senator, often achieving approval ratings exceeding 60 percent according to Morning Consult’s tracker. Sanders’ profile results from decades of activism, two presidential runs, and an identity centered around democratic socialism.

Sanders advocates for policies like universal health care, tuition-free college, aggressive climate action, and expanded labor rights. These positions have nudged the Democratic Party leftward since 2016. Cruz’s reference to Sanders indicates that Talarico could be a significant progressive force rather than a moderate Democrat.

Cruz highlights Sanders’ extensive record in civil rights activism and leadership in the Congressional Progressive Caucus as a comparative backdrop. Sanders is 85 years old; Talarico is 37. Cruz emphasizes the possibility of Texas electing a senator with Sanders’ ideology but with a longer political influence.

‘That’s the Theory: Lie to the Voters, Then Get in Power’

Cruz voiced his belief that Talarico is rebranding himself politically by softening or changing past viewpoints on gender, capitalism, and transgender policy. On his podcast, Cruz anticipated further strategic changes from Talarico, albeit jokingly suggesting a drastic switch to Trump-style politics.

Cruz commented, “He may pull on a Make America Great Again red hat…but that’s the theory — lie to the voters, then get in power.”

Cruz argues Talarico’s recent media engagements, which include retracing comments on biological sexes and capitalism, reflect political repositioning rather than genuine ideological shifts.

He also notes Talarico’s generational identity as significant—unlike older Democrats who may distance themselves from pandemic-era cultural debates, Cruz claims Talarico holds firm beliefs and would legislate accordingly.

FCC Pressure and Talarico’s Media Access

The Talarico campaign faces an unprecedented media battle after late-night host Jimmy Kimmel declared that his interview with Talarico would not air on ABC. Kimmel attributed this to FCC threats concerning equal-time regulations. Instead, the interview was posted on YouTube.

This incident mirrors an earlier situation where Stephen Colbert stated CBS lawyers blocked Talarico’s appearance on The Late Show, necessitating the interview to be released online exclusively. Following these events, ABC and Disney have filed a lawsuit against the FCC, alleging First Amendment violations and targeting of networks over editorial decisions. The FCC refutes these accusations.

Why Cruz’s Warning Matters for Texas and Beyond

By portraying Talarico as a committed young progressive akin to Sanders, Cruz transforms the Texas race into a broader ideological contest. Texas voters are urged to consider not just Talarico’s present stances but the long-term implications of electing a senator Cruz claims would be a lasting progressive influence.

Broadcast networks are contending with new FCC scrutiny that impacts how political interviews are conducted, with Talarico at the center of this issue. Should a Sanders-inspired progressive secure a statewide win in Texas, it would mark a significant shift in the national political landscape.