TX Democrat James Talarico Faces Backlash Over “White Skin” Social Media Post

Texas state legislator James Talarico, the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate in Texas, is facing criticism from Republican leaders and political commentators after an earlier social media post about “white skin” resurfaced and drew sharp reactions ahead of the November election, as reported by The New York Post.

Talarico, who defeated U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) in Tuesday’s Democratic primary, secured the party’s nomination in the race for one of Texas’ two U.S. Senate seats.

Democrats have not won a Senate seat in Texas since 1988.

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The controversy centers on a post Talarico shared on X on May 8, 2020. In the message, he linked the COVID-19 pandemic with discussions surrounding systemic racism following the killing of Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia.

“White skin gives me and every white American immunity from the virus,” Talarico’s full post read.

“But we spread it wherever we go—through our words, our actions, and our systems. We don’t have to be showing symptoms—like a white hood or a Confederate flag—to be contagious.”

White skin gives me and every white American immunity from the virus. But we spread it wherever we go—through our words, our actions, and our systems. We don’t have to be showing symptoms—like a white hood or a Confederate flag—to be contagious.

— James Talarico (@jamestalarico) May 8, 2020

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The resurfaced post prompted criticism from several Republican officials and commentators.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott responded directly to the message, suggesting it could damage Talarico’s chances in the general election.

“If this is a real Talarico post, he is toast,” Abbott said. “This is Tim Walz clone territory. He could win in Minnesota, but not in Texas.”

If this is a real Talarico post, he is toast.

This is Tim Walz clone territory.

He could win in Minnesota, but not in Texas. https://t.co/8gpOUyPpnQ

— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) March 4, 2026

Abbott is currently seeking a fourth term as governor.

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