Story perspectives

GOP Targets Talarico, Labels Church “Woke” in Anti-Trans Push

6/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

Conservatives launched a campaign branding St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church a “woke” institution tied to Senate candidate James Talarico.
Daily Wire alleged the church backs LGBTQ and abortion groups and links to the Lilith Fund, though the church’s page omits fund.
Republicans have falsely called Talarico transgender and vegan and questioned his girlfriend.
Republican candidate Ken Paxton, who beat John Cornyn in the primary, centers message on opposing transgender rights.

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Story summary

Conservatives launched a campaign branding St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church a “woke” institution tied to Senate candidate James Talarico.
Daily Wire alleged the church backs LGBTQ and abortion groups and links to the Lilith Fund, though the church’s page omits fund.
Republicans have falsely called Talarico transgender and vegan and questioned his girlfriend.
Republican candidate Ken Paxton, who beat John Cornyn in the primary, centers message on opposing transgender rights.