Texas Senator‑elect James Talarico demands Democrats scrap the Senate filibuster once they control the chamber. He calls it a “Jim Crow relic” that blocks majority rule.
Filibuster Fight Heats Up
He made the remark in an NBC News interview with Ryan Chandler. The interview followed his Tuesday victory over Republican Ken Paxton.
“Yes. I believe that the majority has the right to govern in this country,” Talarico said. “And the filibuster, which is not in the Constitution — it’s a Jim Crow relic, is leading to gridlock in our nation’s capital.”
He argued that eliminating the procedure would let Congress address the cost of groceries, gasoline, utilities and health care. He added that any party winning a Senate majority should be able to govern.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer declined to say if Democrats would eliminate the filibuster. He said the first priority is lowering people’s costs and working the legislative process.
Democrats now control the Senate but lack the 60‑vote threshold needed to overcome a filibuster on most bills. This means most legislation requires super‑majority support. Budget reconciliation and a few measures are already exempt.
Former President Donald Trump repeatedly urged Republicans to drop the filibuster while GOP leaders resisted. He argued the rule required 60 votes to advance legislation.
In December 2025, Trump told Politico the filibuster hurts Republicans and demanded its removal “without question.” He said it would let the GOP pass health‑care and election bills without Democratic votes.
He reiterated the demand during the 2025 government shutdown, urging Republicans to terminate the filibuster to reopen government. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the proposal was “not happening.”
Republican Sen. Ron Johnson warned that Democrats would eliminate the filibuster as soon as they regain control, urging GOP action first. Sens. Thom Tillis and James Lankford defended the rule as essential for bipartisan cooperation.
Trump renewed his push in July 2026, urging Republicans to kill the filibuster to pass the SAVE America Act, which would require additional proof of citizenship for voter registration. Thune again said Republicans lacked the votes to eliminate the rule.
With Democrats now set to take the Senate, Trump’s warnings about Democratic action are central to the incoming majority’s agenda. Talarico’s clear stance offers a rare glimpse of where at least one Democratic candidate stands, even as Schumer remains non‑committal.
Eliminating the filibuster would not guarantee every Democratic bill passes. It would remove a major barrier to party‑line legislation, provided the majority stays united and the House and president cooperate.
