Democrat U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico is taking his message directly to Black Texans.
Talarico's campaign announced the launch of two new ads Tuesday, Sept. 29, set to run in Black media as part of his effort to engage Black voters ahead of his Nov. 3 showdown with Republican U.S. Senate candidate Ken Paxton.
The first ad, entitled "Legacy," will run on gospel, talk, hip-hop, R&B, and news stations statewide. A digital ad entitled "Afford It" will air statewide on digital platforms and television. Additionally, the campaign is set to run ads in historic Black newspapers across Texas.
Three Black-owned firms have led Talarico's paid communications program throughout the campaign: Bryson Gillette on television and digital, Foston International
Communications on radio, and Advantage Communications Group on print.
Bryson Gillette was founded by Bill Burton, who served as national press secretary for former President Barack Obama's presidential campaign and deputy press secretary in his administration. The company was named PRovoke Media’s Best New Agency of the Year in 2022.
Foston International Communications, based in Richmond, Texas, was founded in 1984 and has led advertising campaigns for Coca-Cola USA, the Communications Workers of America, Houston Community College and U.S. Rep. Lizzie Fletcher, D-Houston, as well as print and radio programs for Beto O’Rourke’s 2018 U.S. Senate campaign.
The Houston-based Advantage Communications Group was founded by CEO Linda K. Brown, who formerly served as community relations director for KTRK-TV ABC-13, executive vice president and general manager of B.E.T., national press secretary for Rev. Jesse Jackson, and as a senior advisor to U.S. Reps. Sheila Jackson Lee, Sylvester Turner, and Christian Menefee.
The new ads are only the latest in Talarico's efforts to rally Black voters, as he has previously led canvassing efforts, launched his "Souls to the Polls" program and worked to meet Black voters in their communities.
Adam Powell covers government and politics for the El Paso Times and can be reached via email at apowell@elpasotimes.com.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: James Talarico courts Black voters in new Texas US Senate race ads
