A former Capitol staffer has publicly confirmed that she was previously in a romantic relationship with State Rep. James Talarico of Austin, adding to questions surrounding the Democrat lawmaker’s relationships with legislative staffers.
In a statement posted online last week, former Mexican American Legislative Caucus Executive Director Irma Reyes said she and the now Democrat Senate candidate had been in a relationship that ended approximately five years ago.
“My private personal relationship with James Talarico ended five years ago,” Reyes wrote. “I will not be commenting further on the matter.”
The statement comes as Talarico faces scrutiny over his relationship with former staffer Brianna Menard, a former employee in his legislative office who now works as a healthcare lobbyist.
Reyes worked as executive director of the Mexican American Legislative Caucus during her time at the Capitol, as well as for former State Rep. Victoria Neave Criado (D-Dallas).
Social media posts from the period show the pair publicly acknowledging their relationship, including birthday tributes, affectionate exchanges, and references to spending Valentine’s Day together.
The revelation comes amid ongoing scrutiny surrounding Talarico’s current relationship with former chief of staff Brianna Menard.
Menard worked in Talarico’s legislative office for several years, rising from legislative director to chief of staff before departing in early 2023. She now works as a lobbyist for the Texas Medical Association, with a specialization in abortion policy.
Questions emerged after Talarico recently stated that he has been in the same romantic relationship for approximately four years. Based on that timeline, the relationship would overlap with at least part of Menard’s employment in his office.
Talarico’s campaign has said the pair developed feelings while Menard worked as his chief of staff but did not begin dating until after she left his office.
The campaign also declined to answer whether Menard is the only current or former legislative staffer with whom Talarico has had a romantic relationship.
The confirmation of Talarico’s previous relationship with Reyes means Menard is not the only known Capitol staffer with whom the lawmaker has been romantically involved during his tenure in the Texas House.
Texas Scorecard contacted Talarico’s campaign for comment, but did not receive a response before publication.
