Fox News host Johnny “Joey” Jones launched a personal attack on Democratic Texas Senate candidate James Talarico during “The Big Weekend Show” Sunday, accusing him of relying on his mother for financial support. The segment focused on Gen Z’s embrace of socialist values when Jones interjected, criticizing far-left Democrats and socialists for mismanaging personal finances while advocating for large government budgets.
Jones Criticizes Talarico’s Financial Arrangements
“One of them’s Texas Senate candidate James Talarico. He reportedly has one checking account and he shares it with his mommy. She even covered nearly $1,500 in moving expenses a few years ago when he was 32 years old,” Jones said. He added, “I did a little research on this and I found this troubling. James Talarico is trying to be the senator from the state of Texas — a state that prides itself on hard work, personal responsibility, individual liberty. None of those things exist if you’re relying on the government and mama’s teat for all your living expenses.”
Jones’ comments were based on a report from the Washington Free Beacon, which noted that Talarico has a joint checking account with his mother containing $15,000 to $50,000. The report also highlighted that Talarico’s disclosure form includes over $97,000 in combined salary from his state senate position and self-employment, along with brokerage, mutual fund, and retirement accounts.
Fox News’ Ongoing Attacks on Talarico
The attack is part of a broader Fox News campaign against Talarico, who is polling closely with scandal-plagued Republican candidate Ken Paxton. Previous reports have included baseless anti-LGBTQ comments speculating about Talarico’s sexuality or gender. Jones further criticized Talarico for listing his parents’ home as the address for his consulting business, calling him “the fakest of fake.”
Co-panelist Tom Shillue joined in, discussing left-wing embrace of a “socialist utopia” and communist professors dominating college curricula before Jones resumed his critique. “Thirty-two years old and asking your mama to pay for your moving expenses. Lord help me. I’d be ashamed,” Jones said. “If he’s reached hard times, that’s one thing. But to be 32 years old and in elected office or running for it? Shame on you, brother. Shame on you.”
Response and Context
Talarico’s campaign has not publicly responded to the remarks. The candidate is running for a Texas Senate seat in a competitive race against Paxton, who faces legal and ethical scandals. The Fox News segment underscores the heated rhetoric in the campaign, with personal finances becoming a focal point of attack.
