Talarico launches Black voter outreach effort ahead of Senate race

Who's involved

• James TalaricoTexas state representative and Democratic U.S. Senate candidate
• Ken PaxtonState Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate
• Jolanda JonesDemocratic state representative, predominantly Black district in Houston
• Ashley EtienneFormer Democratic White House and congressional aide
• Traci GibsonHarris County Democratic Party chair

The facts

• Talarico is seeking to become the first Democrat elected statewide in Texas in more than three decades.^{1 2 3} Stated by 3 sources
• Texas has 2.7 million Black voters.^{1 2 3} Stated by 3 sources
• Polling has found Talarico leading Paxton among Black voters.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• Talarico hosted a fundraiser at Texas Southern University, an HBCU in Houston.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• Talarico appeared on The Breakfast Club.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources

Who said what

These are statements and claims made by the people involved. They are reported, not verified.

• Jolanda Jones, Democratic state representative Talarico's Black voter spending does not look or feel like $25 million and he needs to give more.^{1 2}
• Jolanda Jones, Democratic state representative Whether Talarico gets majority of Black vote is not the question; how many will show up to vote is.^{1 2}
• Ashley Etienne, former Democratic White House and congressional aide Talarico engaged Latino voters early with dedicated campaign infrastructure, but campaign should make similar gains among Black Texans.^{1 2}
• Some Democratic strategists and local lawmakers Enthusiasm gap from Black voters could make the difference in whether Talarico beats Paxton.^{1 2 3}
• Some Democratic surrogates Talarico's investment in shoring up support among Black voters came too late.^{1 2}