Texas Senate candidate James Talarico said on Thursday, July 16, 2026, that the Democratic Party "took the border for granted" during the Biden administration amid questions about his stance on border security.

In an interview on MS NOW with host Joe Scarborough, Talarico, who is challenging Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton in the November midterm elections, agreed that Democrats made a significant mistake in 2021, 2022, and 2023 by not focusing enough on border security. He recalled conversations with state house colleagues representing border communities who described the "utter chaos" along the southern border, highlighting a failure of government.

Talarico also criticized the concept of open borders, calling it "insane" and stating that politicians did not care while families like his paid the price. He expressed that border towns in Texas hold personal significance for him and his family and accused Democrats of taking advantage of these communities.

The MS NOW host pointed to the 2024 election results, noting that nearly all counties along the border shifted Republican, and questioned whether Democrats nationwide understand that open borders are not a solution but a disaster politically and for Hispanic communities along the border.

Talarico further commented on border infrastructure, dismissing proposals for a border wall through Big Bend as unnecessary given the natural barriers of cliffs and mountain ranges.

The rising costs for people living along the border were also mentioned as part of the broader challenges faced by these communities.

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