Texas Senate Candidate James Talarico Revises Stance on Gender Issues and Criticizes Opponent

In a Fox News interview, Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico expressed support for banning gender surgery for minors and opposed transgender-identifying men competing in women’s sports. He acknowledged revising several previous statements, including his assertion that there are six genders and that 'God is nonbinary.' This statement comes as the Texas Senate race approaches its conclusion, with recent polling indicating a competitive landscape. Talarico is running against Republican Ken Paxton, who has faced his own controversies. During the interview, Talarico confirmed he would vote for a national ban on gender surgery for minors, stating, 'Absolutely.' He explained his past opposition to a Texas bill banning such surgeries, saying it was overly broad and harmful. Talarico, who voted against SB 14, which prohibited certain gender surgeries and treatments for minors, noted that he supported amendments to narrow the bill's focus. He also commented on the issue of trans athletes in women's sports, stating he opposes their participation if it endangers safety or fairness. Talarico's previous position on this issue had been different; in 2021, he opposed a bill that required athletes to compete based on their biological sex. He clarified his earlier statement about gender, admitting, 'I’ve missed the mark on some of my past statements,' and stated he believes there are two sexes with some genetic exceptions. Talarico criticized the Supreme Court, calling it 'infected' with corruption and advocating for reforms, including term limits and a code of conduct for justices. He emphasized that his campaign will focus on affordability issues, stating that Texans are struggling with basic living costs. Talarico also mentioned his stance against a state income tax, despite previously voting against a measure to permanently ban it, which he deemed redundant.