Full Breakdown
James Talarico’s Texas Senate Campaign Under Fire: Faith Remarks and Flu Rumors
By Drooid · · How we work
Campaign Controversies Highlighted at Town Hall
During a CNN-hosted town hall organized by Jubilee Media, Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico faced questioning about a 2021 legislative remark that “God is non-binary.” Talarico said the comment was meant to be “provocative” and cited historical figures to argue the idea is not novel.
Background & Context
Talarico, a Presbyterian seminary student and state representative, is seeking to become the first Democrat elected statewide in Texas in 32 years. Opponents frame his race as a test of whether a progressive candidate can overcome the state’s conservative electorate. The faith controversy emerged weeks before early voting and has been amplified by Republican opponent Ken Paxton and former President Donald Trump.
Timeline of Recent Events
- Sept. 26 – Last in-person campaign appearance before a brief hiatus.
- Sept. 28–29 – Private fundraisers in New York City.
- Sept. 30 – Talarico disclosed a flu diagnosis during a virtual appearance at the United States Hispanic Business Council.
- Early Oct. – Town hall in Fort Worth revisiting the faith remarks.
Polling Landscape
Official Statements & Responses
- Talarico denied any mental-health treatment, noting the Lindner Center of Hope confirmed he has never been a patient.
- Paxton’s campaign issued “proof-of-life” requests and accused Talarico of “missing in action,” a phrase Trump echoed on Truth Social.
Criticism & Opposition
Republican operatives have used the faith remark and the flu hiatus to question Talarico’s credibility, labeling the comment “cringey” and the flu claim “suspicious.” Right-wing influencers Nick Sotor and Rhein Amacher circulated unverified claims about treatment at Ohio’s Lindner Center; Elon Musk amplified the posts on X.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the flu diagnosis timing: Talarico cites the September 30 virtual council appearance, while other outlets note he was “working from home” via Zoom. The number of “missing” posters and social-media demands for proof of life are not quantified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You've said some concerning things in the past kind of related to faith and social issues.” — Sarah Gardner
- “The first comment about God not being defined by gender, when I said that, I was being provocative,” — James Talarico
- “I had the flu. This is the craziest thing I’ve ever heard. It’s wild that someone can just post something on the internet and then the media just runs with it,” — James Talarico
- “I don’t know whether to believe him about the flu or not, I just know that … almost everything that he says has been false since the beginning of this campaign,” — Ken Paxton