Author photo of Jude Barry

Jude Barry

Jude Barry is a National Catholic Reporter board member who worked in NCR’s Washington Bureau as a college intern. He started his career as a press aide and speechwriter for former Massachusetts U.S. Sen. Ted Kennedy, and has served in senior management positions on three presidential campaigns.

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Texas Rep. James Talarico speaks at a rally Aug. 16, 2025, at Wrigley Square in Millennium Park in Chicago. (AP photo/Talia Sprague)

Can this faith-filled Texas progressive lead Democrats out of the wilderness?

Texas state Rep. James Talarico's approach demonstrates that faith can drive politics without weaponizing it — a model that feels both urgent and overdue in our current moment.

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