Texas Senate Candidate Says Democrats Took Southern Border for Granted

Texas state Rep. James Talarico said Thursday that national Democrats and the Biden administration took the southern border for granted. Talarico made the remarks during an interview on MS NOW. He was asked whether Democrats made a mistake by not focusing enough on border security in 2021, 2022, and 2023.

"Absolutely," Talarico said. " Talarico said he had spoken with colleagues who represent border communities and heard reports of chaos along the southern border. He added that the situation showed government not working for people.

Talarico said border towns in Texas mean a lot to him and his family. He stated that national Democrats stopped showing up in the region. "That’s why people along the southern border — it’s why people in south Texas started looking for alternatives," Talarico said.

He noted that many counties along the border voted Republican in the 2024 election. Talarico said Republicans made promises about immigration and costs, but those promises have not been kept after one year.

Talarico described some current administration proposals as extremism. He pointed to a proposed border wall through Big Bend and said natural cliffs already exist there. Talarico also said tariffs have started to hurt small businesses in the region.

He stated that people along the border feel let down by both parties. Talarico defeated Texas Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett in the primary for the Senate seat earlier this year. Crockett said during a recent appearance that the primary race was racist.