Senator-elect James Talarico Urges Democrats to Collaborate With Trump

Texas Senator-elect James Talarico urged Democrats to collaborate with President Donald Trump during the final two years of his term to deliver immediate results on immigration, political reform, and economic relief. Speaking at the What's Next conference in Denver, Talarico argued that the American people cannot wait until January 2029 for change and challenged his party to make the remainder of the presidency the most productive in American history.

Talarico's call for cooperation follows a historic victory in Texas, where he defeated Ken Paxton to become the first Democrat to serve in the U.S. Senate from the state since 1993. His win was part of a broader Democratic sweep in Texas that included the election of Gina Hinojosa as governor. Talarico appealed to Trump's desire for a historical legacy, comparing potential achievements to those of Lyndon B. Johnson.

While Talarico advocated for a strategy of unity and loving enemies, he maintained he would remain forceful in opposing mass deportation policies and corruption. Other Democratic leaders expressed varying views at the conference. Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger argued the party should pass legislation and let the president decide whether to veto it. President Donald Trump responded to the climate of cooperation by stating, "I do hate some of my enemies, and I always will."