Full Breakdown
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick Says James Talarico “Will Go to Hell” Over Biblical Views
6/14/2026, 6:18:54 AM
Patrick Declares Talarico ‘Going to Hell’ at GOP Convention
On Friday, June 12 2026, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick addressed the Texas GOP convention in Houston. He said Democratic Senate nominee Rep. James Talarico “will go to Hell,” called him “crazy,” and urged Republicans to unite to defeat him in November.
Background & Context
The 2026 Texas Senate race pits Talarico against incumbent Attorney General Ken Paxton. Democrats view the contest as a chance to win the state’s first statewide office for their party since 1994. The campaign has been described as “expensive and brutal,” with Democrats hoping to capitalize on anti-Trump sentiment. Patrick has long championed Christian-focused legislation, including proposals to display the Ten Commandments in public schools.
Key Figures & Groups
- Dan Patrick – Texas Lt. Gov., presiding officer of the Texas Senate, GOP religious-values advocate.
- James Talarico – Democratic U.S. Senate nominee, Austin state representative, emphasizes Christian faith.
- Ken Paxton – Republican Attorney General, Talarico’s opponent.
- Republican Party of Texas – Host of the convention where the remarks were made.
Timeline
- June 12 2026 (Friday): Patrick delivers the “going to Hell” remarks at the Texas GOP convention; Talarico posts a rebuttal later that night.
- November 2026: General election for the U.S. Senate seat.
Official Statements & Responses
Patrick framed Talarico’s use of the Bible as “blasphemy,” warned that a loss would consign the candidate to Hell, and described the contest as a moral battle between “darkness” and “light.” He urged party unity to keep the seat Republican. Talarico’s post accused Patrick of selling out poor, sick, and the vulnerable to enrich his donors, and suggested that love can appear as blasphemy when power is worshiped. Paxton also spoke at the convention, though his remarks were not detailed.
Criticism & Opposition
Talarico characterized Patrick’s remarks as a power play that betrays the poor and vulnerable, framing the dispute as an exploitation of faith for political gain.
Why It Matters / Impact
The exchange underscores how religious rhetoric can shape Texas electoral dynamics and may influence voter perceptions of both candidates ahead of the November Senate race.
Verbatim Quotes
- “And let me tell you, that’s not a Bible I’ve ever read.” — Dan Patrick, Texas Lt. Gov.
- “I've never seen so much blasphemy from anyone running for office.” — Dan Patrick
- “I've never seen so much blasphemy from anyone running for office. Let me tell you what, I'm going to pray for that guy, because when he loses the Senate race, if he campaigns against God as he's been doing, he's going to Hell for sure.” — Dan Patrick
- “Love feels like blasphemy when you worship power.” — James Talarico, Democratic Senate nominee
What’s Next
The November 2026 Senate election will decide whether Texas retains a Republican seat or elects a Democrat for the first statewide office in over three decades. Both campaigns are expected to intensify their messaging on faith, policy, and party unity.
