Dallas recording alleges James Talarico campaign ignored Black voters

On September 30, 2026, an undercover recording released by the Dallas Express captured Texas Democratic Party vice chair Sheena Flanary, a Black leader, describing how the James Talarico Senate campaign dismissed her attempts to offer Black‑voter assistance and fundraising support.

Flanary said she and her husband reached out multiple times, only to be rebuffed, and recounted the campaign’s reluctance to accept their money. She questioned whether the campaign wanted Black people to help, noting a “bad taste” after repeated, unrewarded outreach attempts.

The revelation follows earlier reports that Talarico’s outreach to Black and Hispanic voters has stalled. State Rep. Jolanda Jones warned the campaign in July that it was funding “white infrastructure and Hispanic infrastructure” while neglecting Black voter infrastructure. A Black voter outreach event scheduled at the Central Texas African American Civic Engagement Symposium was canceled, and Talarico’s appearance at a Hispanic business council meeting was limited to a virtual format due to illness.

Republican critics have seized on the audio, labeling the campaign’s behavior as “intentionally racist and sexist.” The transcript shows Flanary acknowledging the pattern: “I felt it, too… I tried to reach out a few times and it wasn’t receptive.” Her comments echo earlier concerns that Talarico’s primary victory over Rep. Jasmine Crockett may have alienated Black constituents.

With early voting set to begin on October 19, the controversy adds pressure on the Talarico campaign to address the apparent disconnect. Observers note that the Democratic Party’s national and state committees have yet to pour significant resources into the race, while Republican‑linked groups have earmarked $117 million for ads supporting incumbent Ken Paxton. The next weeks may reveal whether Talarico’s team can rebuild trust with Black voters ahead of the pivotal November election.