Talarico was chosen by Republican county committee members in February 1997 to fill the vacancy created when Patrick J. Roma stepped down from office to take a seat as a judge on the New Jersey Superior Court.[3][4] He was elected to a full term in the Assembly in 1997 together with Rose Marie Heck of Hasbrouck Heights, and the two were re-elected in 1999.[5] In redistricting following the 2000 census, Talarico was relocated to the 39th Legislative District and came in third in the 2001 Republican primary behind Charlotte Vandervalk and John E. Rooney.[6] In the Assembly, Talarico served as Vice Chair of the Senior Issues and Community Services Committee and as a member of the Law and Public Safety Committee.[2]
In August 1998, Talarico sponsored a bill that would require commitment for those with mental health issues if it is determined that it is likely that they will commit future crimes.[7]
Talarico resigned as chairman of the Bergen County Republican Organization following the loss of Todd Caliguire in the Republican primary to Kevin J. O'Toole.[8]
In January 2023, Talarico announced he was considering a state senate bid in the 38th Legislative District to challenge for seat held by Democratic incumbent Joseph Lagana.[9]
^Smothers, Ronald. "On Politics; The Mixed Messages of the Primaries", The New York Times, June 10, 2007. Accessed January 24, 2023. "On the heels of the primary outcome, the county Republican chairman, Guy Talarico, announced his resignation. He conceded that the mailing, which he opposed, was a mistake."
^Wildstein, David. "Talarico may seek return to Trenton in Senate race against Lagana", New Jersey Globe, January 24, 2023. Accessed January 24, 2023. "Former Assemblyman Guy Talarico (R-Oradell) is considering a bid for State Senate in Bergen County’s 38th district, where ousting incumbent Joseph Lagana (D-Paramus) is a key component of any path for Republicans to take control of the legislature in the November midterm elections."