Joe Scarborough lauds James Talarico after CNN town hall in Texas
James Talarico, the Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Texas, took part in a CNN‑broadcast town hall on Oct. 15, 2026, and was met with a rare public endorsement from MS NOW host Joe Scarborough.
After the program, Scarborough posted on social media that he was “barely able to contain himself,” describing Talarico as “so good,” “real,” and saying he “struck all the right notes.” The host also added, “Paxton’s sacred!” in a series of enthusiastic comments that quickly spread across platforms.
Scarborough’s praise contrasted sharply with the reaction of many other commentators. Social‑media users from the Republican National Committee and various right‑leaning accounts accused Talarico of advocating mass amnesty for illegal immigrants, flipping on ICE, and supporting voter‑ID measures they claim are inconsistent with his prior statements. Critics highlighted his call for a “legal path to citizenship” and cited past remarks that they interpreted as opposition to stricter border enforcement.
Supporters of the candidate pointed to his articulation of policy positions during the town hall, noting his emphasis on representing all 31 million Texans and his pledge to prioritize Texas interests over partisan agendas. Talarico’s performance, according to some observers, showed a shift toward a more moderate tone that appealed to a broader electorate.
The focus on Scarborough’s reaction adds another layer to the already heated media coverage of the Senate race. Earlier in 2024, Scarborough had praised President Joe Biden as “better than he’s ever been intellectually,” a comment that resurfaced in social‑media threads comparing his current enthusiasm for Talarico to his previous accolades for Democratic leaders.
As the primary season progresses, both campaigns are likely to continue leveraging media appearances. Talarico’s next steps include a series of statewide rallies, while Scarborough’s remarks suggest he may remain a vocal supporter as the candidate seeks to close the gap with Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton.
