As Democrat U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico is now publicly discussing a long-term romantic relationship that he previously kept private, questions are emerging about when the relationship began and whether it overlapped with his girlfriend’s employment in his legislative office.
Recently, Talarico revealed that he has been dating the same woman for roughly four years.
Based on public records, social media posts, and legislative employment histories, that woman has been identified as Brianna Menard, a former top aide who worked in Talarico’s office before later becoming a lobbyist for the Texas Medical Association.
Legislative employment records show Menard served in Talarico’s office for several years, rising from legislative director to chief of staff before departing in early 2023.
The timeline has drawn scrutiny because Talarico has publicly stated the relationship has lasted approximately four years. Menard remained employed in his office until early 2023, meaning a four-year relationship would overlap with at least part of her tenure as his chief of staff.
Today, Menard works for the Texas Medical Association as a lobbyist. According to TexasLobby.org, abortion is among her areas of expertise.
Talarico’s campaign says the couple developed feelings while Menard worked as his chief of staff but did not begin dating until after she left his office. The campaign did not address questions about whether Talarico sees any concerns with lawmakers being in relationships with lobbyists.
Additionally, Talarico’s campaign did not answer whether this was the only romantic relationship the candidate has had with a staffer.
Outside of the timeline questions, Menard’s personal background reflects many of the progressive causes often associated with Talarico’s political brand.
Publicly available biographical information indicates Menard has been involved with Cooperation Texas, an Austin-based far-left activist organization focused on “dismantling racism, classism, and oppression.”
She has also publicly described herself as a vegan and has referenced spending time at Austin’s Cheer Up Charlies, an Austin venue known for hosting drag performances and catering to the city’s progressive activist scene.
A Talarico campaign spokesman told the NY Post that Talarico was not vegan, “much to his girlfriend’s chagrin.”
