James Talarico Disputes Colin Allred's Claim About Alleged Criticism In Private Conversation: 'Mischaracterization'

Texas State Rep. James Talarico disputed former Rep. Colin Allred's claim regarding alleged criticism in a video in which he is accused of referring to Allred as a "mediocre Black man."

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 a "formidable and intelligent Black woman."

She noted that she doesn't have a recording but stood by the claim. Both Allred and Talarico reacted to it, with the latter saying it 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 in a statement.

Official Statement from James Talarico on Allred Video pic.twitter.com/jcERVT2xV0

— JT Ennis (@jt_ennis) February 2, 2026

"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.

Allred had slammed Talarico in a video of his own, claiming that he was projecting his own insecurities and didn't offer anything new for the Democratic Party. "First of all, let me just give you some free advice, James: If you want to compliment Black women, just do it. Just do it. Don't do it while also tearing down a Black man," the former Rep. said. He added that he will now endorse Crockett in the race despite initially saying he wouldn't intervene following his decision to drop out of the race.

Crockett also reacted, 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.

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