Texas Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico is drawing criticism after a clip resurfaced in which he praised “trans” children protesting at the state Capitol.
The video, from an August 2023 episode of the A SuperBloom Podcast, shows Talarico calling the youth “an inspiration” for advocating “for their humanity.”
During the interview, Talarico was asked to name something he loves beyond family and friends.
He responded, “I love — and just say this because it’s on my mind — the trans children who showed up yesterday at the state Capitol to advocate for their humanity. They shouldn’t have to, but it was an inspiration to watch.”
The remarks highlight Talarico’s record of opposing legislation restricting minors from accessing hormone therapies, puberty blockers, and sex-change procedures.
In a 2021 hearing on such measures, he argued that the policies would “hurt trans kids” and criticized Republican lawmakers for using cultural issues to appeal to far-right voters, according to The Post Millennial.
The comments have gained new attention after Talarico won the Democratic primary over Rep. Jasmine Crockett, setting him up for a potential Senate contest against Republicans Ken Paxton and John Cornyn, who are heading to a runoff.
Explaining the protest at the Capitol, Talarico said lawmakers were debating a bill barring minors from gender-transition procedures.
“We had trans activists, trans children, and parents of trans children in the gallery,” he said, describing a peaceful protest that resulted in law enforcement removing some participants.
Talarico, a former public school teacher and current Presbyterian seminary student, has also drawn attention for his religious statements.
He has described “trans” children as “God’s children, made in God’s own image” and argued that “God is non-binary,” challenging traditional interpretations of scripture.
Republican critics have seized on Talarico’s record to portray him as outside Texas’ mainstream values.
State Rep. Steve Toth labeled him “evil” and cited his opposition to bills restricting minors’ social transitions as evidence of moral extremism.
The Talarico campaign has defended his positions as a fight for civil rights and education.
According to Patriot Fetch, campaign spokesperson JT Ennis said Talarico is committed to representing underrepresented communities and “building coalitions that challenge entrenched power.”
Talarico himself emphasized that his activism focuses on awareness and dialogue rather than promoting violence.
The controversy underscores broader cultural and political divides in Texas, particularly regarding LGBT rights and the intersection of faith with policy.
Democrats frame Talarico as a champion of inclusion, while Republicans highlight his positions as extreme, creating starkly contrasting narratives that are likely to shape voter debates in the upcoming Senate race.
Talarico has also emphasized economic and social inclusivity, framing his religious beliefs as compatible with progressive values.
By asserting that “God is both masculine and feminine and everything in between,” he seeks to redefine traditional boundaries while appealing to younger, progressive voters.
As the election approaches, Talarico’s advocacy for “trans” children and his broader ideological positions remain central issues.
Both sides are preparing for a heated contest over Texas’ political and cultural direction, with voters weighing questions of faith, parental rights, and social policy.
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