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Read Full BioJames Talarico leads polls in the Texas Senate Democratic Primary, but the devout Christian has been criticized for accepting donations from casino owners while following porn stars online.
Rival candidate Colin Allred noted that the top donor to Talarico’s reelection campaign last year was Miriam Adelson, the billionaire owner of casino operator Las Vegas Sands. Talarico accepted a donation of $59,000 from Texas Sands PAC, a pro-gambling group funded by Adelson.
Speaking at an event last week, Allred stated, “I like James, but when I see him say that he’s running against billionaires, but then when nobody was looking, his top donor was Miriam Adelson … That contributes to the cynicism that folks might experience.”
Texas Sands PAC has over $9 million in cash to back candidates who may push for expanded gambling in Texas. The PAC, in addition to the Texas Defense PAC, another Adelson-backed group, has already donated over $7 million to 90 pro-gambling legislative candidates in the state.
Talarico defended his decision to accept money from Adelson, stating, “I am in this broken system like everybody else is. I, at least, am trying to put forward ideas for how it could be different.”
The 36-year-old introduced a bill earlier this year that would cap state campaign contributions at $10,000. Yet, he has also accepted donations from billionaire Charles Butt, the H-E-B chairman who supported candidates opposed to private school vouchers.
Casino Legalization Push in Texas
Talarico has publicly supported the legalization of casino gambling in Texas via a constitutional amendment, stating it would bring jobs and tax revenue to the state.
Las Vegas Sands is looking to re-enter the US market in Texas. The company has proposed building an integrated resort complex on nearly 1,000 acres in Irving, the former site of Texas Stadium, the home of the Dallas Cowboys until 2008.
Despite its name, it does not currently have any casinos in Nevada or anywhere else in the US, and it also shuttered its online operations in the country earlier this year. Instead, it has focused attention on the Asian market and saw profits increase dramatically this quarter, with properties in Singapore and Macau performing well.
Legalization of casinos in Texas would require approval from two-thirds of the members in both the Texas House and Senate, followed by a referendum.
Talarico Alleged to Porn Stars on Instagram
In addition to facing criticism for accepting donations from Adelson and other billionaires, the New York Post published an article exposing Talarico for following porn stars online.
The Post found that the politician follows numerous prostitutes, adult film actresses, and OnlyFans models. One woman, Alina Lopez, has her own escort page, offering clients services starting at $2,000 an hour.
The outlet also alleges that Talarico has interacted with at least one of these women, a claim his team denied. Campaign spokesman JT Ennis defended the allegations, stating that the following actions align with Talarico’s Christian values.
Ennis commented, “The social media team — including James — follows back and engages with supporters who have large followings and does not investigate their backgrounds. While James was unaware of how these women make money, he does not judge them for it and will not play into an effort to smear them for clickbait articles. That’s exactly what his Christian faith calls him to do.”
Talarico Leads Polls & Prediction Markets Despite Critics
The smear campaigns do not appear to be working. A recent poll shows Talarico leads Allred by 47 points among those familiar with both candidates.
Kalshi’s market, meanwhile, gives Talarico a 43% chance of becoming the Democratic nominee, slightly ahead of Jasmine Crockett at 42%. Allred has only an 8% chance, according to the market.
