Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico appeared in a campaign video posted on July 20, 2026, driving a 2026 Ram 1500 pickup truck. Journalist David Weigel identified the vehicle as owned by the U.S. car rental company Enterprise, indicating that Talarico rented the truck to project a more Texan image.

Previously, The Economist reported in August 2025 that Talarico, a former school teacher, drove a Chevy Colorado, which has also appeared in other ads and profiles.

Talarico has expressed support for a gun licensing system, an assault weapon ban, a large capacity magazine ban, and mandated safety standards for handguns during a 2020 web seminar.

Incumbent Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who was impeached by the Texas State House in 2023 over alleged misconduct related to an FBI investigation but acquitted by the Senate, criticized Talarico's positions and fundraising efforts. Paxton told the Daily Caller News Foundation, "His positions are weird. He went to San Francisco to raise money." He also commented on Talarico's views on gender and religion, stating, "I think if you look at the scripture it’s pretty clear God is not ‘nonbinary.’ He is expressed in three forms in the trinity, and not as James Talarico is suggesting."

Paxton credits his recent electoral victory to an endorsement from former President Donald Trump made just a week before the election.

Sources