Barack Obama campaigns with James Talarico, Gina Hinojosa
The Texas Tribune • • nation
Key Points:
- Former President Barack Obama made a surprise visit to Taco Joint near the University of Texas at Austin, joining Democratic nominees James Talarico and Gina Hinojosa for about 30 minutes of informal campaigning.
- Obama engaged with patrons, took photos, and referred to Talarico and Hinojosa as Texas’ “next governor and senator,” though he did not make public remarks or formally endorse them.
- The visit highlighted national Democratic support for the candidates in a challenging election cycle, with both races expected to be expensive and competitive against well-funded Republican opponents.
- Obama’s presence energized a mostly younger crowd, and he personally signed a children’s book for Talarico’s niece, encouraging voters to participate in the upcoming elections.
- The event also featured social media reactions, including a call for further national figures like Bernie Sanders to campaign in Texas, where Sanders is scheduled to speak at the state Democratic Convention.