Texas AFL-CIO Endorses James Talarico for U.S. Senate

The Texas AFL-CIO has officially endorsed State Rep. James Talarico for U.S. Senate, putting the strength of the labor movement behind a campaign focused on working people across Texas, including here in the Rio Grande Valley.

The endorsement comes from the Committee on Political Education (COPE), the political arm of the Texas labor movement, which represents more than 250,000 union members and working families statewide. For workers in the Valley, including educators, public employees, healthcare workers, and service workers, this endorsement reflects a broader fight for better wages, stronger benefits, and the right to organize without interference.

“James understands that our fight isn’t about red vs. blue, it’s about top vs. bottom — and he’s ready to take on the billionaires and defend Texas workers, ” said Texas AFL-CIO President Leonard Aguilar. “The Texas labor movement will fight shoulder-to-shoulder with James to make sure workers take back our power and elect a pro-worker champion to the U.S. Senate this November.”

Talarico welcomed the endorsement as part of a growing movement to shift power back toward working people and strengthen economic opportunity across the state.

“I’m honored to receive the endorsement of the Texas AFL-CIO as we continue building a movement to take power back for working people in Texas and across the country,” Talarico said. “Winning this election will ensure our workers and union members receive the representation they deserve in Washington — representation that stands up and fights for higher wages, better benefits, and an economy that works for all of us instead of just the wealthy few.”

Across the Rio Grande Valley, unions and worker organizations continue to organize, educate, and mobilize, building a stronger and more connected labor movement rooted in our communities. This endorsement is part of that larger effort and reflects a growing push to ensure Valley workers are not just included in the conversation, but are helping lead it.

Early voting for the general election runs from October 19 through October 30, with Election Day set for November 3, 2026.

Source: Texas AFL-CIO Press Release, April 15, 2026