Former Rep. Allred Slams James Talarico Over Claim That He Called Him a 'Mediocre Black Man': 'We Don't Need You'

Former Democratic Rep. Colin Allred slammed State lawmaker James Talarico over a claim that he called him a "mediocre Black man" during a private, off-the-record conversation with a podcaster.

Controversy arose after a podcaster and TikTok user named Morgan said Talarico made the remark during a private conversation the two had off the record, in which he also called his opponent in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, Jasmine Crockett, a "formidable and intelligent Black woman." She noted that she doesn't have a recording but stood by the claim.

Allred reacted with a video on social media, saying "we're tired of folks using praise for Black women to mask criticism for Black men."

He went on to suggest Talarico was masking insecurity about his own campaign and made a reference to the fact that he is an aspiring Presbyterian minister. "You are not saving religion for the Democratic Party or the left," he said. "We already have Senator Reverend Dr. Raphael Warnock for that. We don't need you. You're not saying anything unique."

Hey 👋🏽 @jamestalarico — don’t come for me unless I send for you. pic.twitter.com/ryVA6irNWY

— Colin Allred (@ColinAllredTX) February 2, 2026

The former lawmaker ended the video by saying he will now endorse Crockett after saying he wouldn't when he dropped out of the race.

Talarico reacted with a statement, saying the claim that he called Allred a "mediocre Black man" was a "mischaracterization."

"In my praise of Congresswoman Crockett, I described Congressman Allred's method of campaigning as mediocre — but his life and service are not. I would never attack him on the basis of race," Talarico said.

"As a Black man in America, Congressman Allred has had to work twice as hard to get where he is. I understand how my critique of the Congressman's campaign could be interpreted given this country's painful legacy of racism, and I care deeply about the impact my words have on others. I have always said that, despite our disagreements, I deeply respect Congressman Allred. We're all on the same team," he added.

Crockett also reacted to the development, saying it is "unfortunate that at the start of Black History Month, this is what we're facing."

"In former Congressman Colin Allred's video, he drew a line in the sand. He made it clear that he did not take allegations of an attack on him as simply another day in the neighborhood, but more importantly, his post wasn't just about himself," she added.

• Colin Allred Drops Out Of Texas' U.S. Senate Race, Will Run For House Instead
• James Talarico Responds To Colin Allred Over Alleged Criticism In Private Conversation: 'Would Never Attack Him On The Basis Of Race'

© 2025 Latin Times. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.