Texas State Rep. James Talarico, a Democrat known for railing against billionaire influence in politics, is facing accusations of hypocrisy after Politico revealed he accepted $59,000 from a PAC backed by megadonor Miriam Adelson.
Texas Sands PAC, the Texas-based political arm of the casino giant, has more than $9 million in cash on hand heading into the upcoming election season. That money comes almost entirely from Miriam Adelson, the billionaire owner of Las Vegas Sands and majority owner of the Dallas Mavericks.
In 2023, Talarico voted for a constitutional amendment that would have allowed Texans to vote on government-monopoly casino legalization.
The $59,000 contribution was the largest he received last year.
Talarico’s office defended the donation, claiming he’s long supported casino legalization “because it will bring good jobs and additional tax revenue” to the state.
Meanwhile, in an appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience last month, Talarico declared that billionaires “increasingly run this whole government.”
When confronted about the $59,000 contribution, Talarico’s spokesman Antonio Esparza told Politico he “will not unilaterally disarm and let Texas Republicans play by different rules.” He also pointed to Talarico’s support for legislation to cap donations at $10,000 for state candidates—a limit that would have rendered the Adelson check illegal.
Talarico is rumored to be considering a bid for the U.S. Senate.
No ads. No paywalls. No government grants. No corporate masters.
Just real news for real Texans.
Support Texas Scorecard to keep it that way!
