The duo stopped in a taco shop together, along with Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gina Hinojosa, near the University of Texas at Austin to surprise voters.
“Do you know our outstanding next governor and senator?” Obama asked the patrons.
Obama has publicly supported Talarico’s candidacy, calling him a “terrific, a really talented young man” in an October 2025 podcast appearance. But the former president withheld an endorsement of the state representative during the primary as he faced off against Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) for the Democratic nomination.
Tuesday marked the pair’s first public appearance together and came just two weeks ahead of the state’s runoff election, which will determine Talarico’s general election opponent. Incumbent Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) will go head-to-head against state Attorney General Ken Paxton on May 26 for a spot on the general election ballot.
The Texas Senate general election is expected to be one of the most-watched and expensive midterm-year races in the country, with the primary race hitting the priciest primary mark in February, according to AdImpact.
“Remember to vote!” Obama called out to the Texans at the restaurant, called Taco Joint.
CORNYN INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO RENAME US ROUTE 287 AFTER TRUMP
President Donald Trump has yet to endorse in the Cornyn-Paxton runoff, though he has teased an impending decision on multiple occasions. A backing from Trump would have weight in a state the president has carried all three times he has run for office.
Early voting in the runoff starts on Monday, May 18, so a Trump endorsement would have to come in the next week to sway the maximum number of voters before they head for the ballot boxes. The runoff is set for Tuesday, May 26.