Trump unleashes barrage of insults against Texas Democrat James Talarico ahead of Senate race

President Donald Trump turned to his Truth Social account on Thursday to launch a personal assault on Texas state representative James Talarico, a rising Democratic Senate candidate. Trump repeatedly used the moniker “Talafreako,” posted a doctored image merging Talarico’s face with the MAD magazine mascot Alfred E. Neuman, and circulated a caricature accusing the lawmaker of backing open-border policies, transgender participation in women’s sports, and abolishing the electoral college.

He framed these points as evidence of Talarico’s “progressive” stance on Christianity and LGBTQ issues. The barrage coincides with a Texas Public Opinion Research poll showing Talarico leading Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton, who carries Trump’s endorsement despite facing securities fraud charges and impeachment. One outlet's poll from July also placed Talarico ahead, prompting host Sean Hannity to react strongly.

Talarico’s office has not commented, while the Democrat has capitalized on the insult by selling “I’m a Talafreako” T-shirts. The contest is viewed as a pivotal test for GOP control of the Senate.