Joe Rogan Urges Texas Democrat to Run for President During Podcast Appearance
Podcast giant Joe Rogan made waves Friday when he encouraged Texas state Rep. James Talarico (D) to consider a run for the White House, praising the lawmaker’s character and approach to politics during a wide-ranging conversation on The Joe Rogan Experience.
“You need to run for president,” Rogan said bluntly toward the end of their interview. “We need someone who is actually a good person.”
Talarico, who has served in the Texas House since 2018, has gained attention for blending progressive messaging with faith-based values and for his growing popularity on platforms like TikTok, where he frequently challenges conservative education policies. His social media presence and grounded communication style have earned him the reputation of a rising voice in Texas politics.
While Rogan’s podcast has often been a forum for political figures across the spectrum, it’s particularly influential among younger male listeners an audience that Democrats have been eager to reconnect with in recent years.
Talarico, for his part, responded to Rogan’s suggestion with humility and a touch of humor. He is currently weighing a possible Senate run and is part of a competitive Democratic field that includes former U.S. Rep. Colin Allred.
Laughing off Rogan’s presidential pitch, Talarico offered a measured perspective on modern political culture. “We were talking about how politics has become a religion. This is one of the ways it does. People put all their faith in a politician,” he said.
He cited the idolization of both progressive and conservative figures as part of the problem. “I’ve seen it with Bernie. I like Bernie a whole lot, but some people treat him as if he’s a messianic figure. And Trump on the right people treat him like a messiah in some ways. This is a problem,” he added.
While Talarico didn’t commit to any national ambitions during the interview, Rogan’s endorsement adds a new level of intrigue to his political future and positions him as someone to watch within Democratic circles looking to energize a new generation of voters.