With Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) getting edged out by state Rep. James Talarico, the state of Texas is far from safe for Republicans. While Talarico builds his brand on populist rhetoric and “politics of love,” his victory was fueled by the very kind of mega-money he claims to oppose.
Talarico accepted tens of thousands of dollars from Texas Sands PAC, a group linked to GOP megadonor Miriam Adelson — reportedly around $59,000. That reality undercuts his constant railing against the influence of the ultra-wealthy. It is a familiar script for Democratic candidates: attack billionaire power in public, then rely on big checks and friendly outside spending to stay competitive.
He has become the “Zohran Mamdani of Texas” — a candidate attempting to build a Left-populist brand around condemning billionaires and elites while simultaneously benefiting from the same donor ecosystem. In the eyes of Texas voters, he cannot have it both ways.
Talarico frames the political divide not as Left vs. Right but as the “top vs. bottom,” arguing that wealthy elites create social division to maintain their power. He has argued that the accumulation of wealth beyond what a person can spend in a lifetime is not success but “hoarding” that harms society.
The senatorial candidate also tries to advance his progressive agenda by cloaking it in a carefully curated Christian image. Several contradictions in his campaign are clear red flags, and Texans should take notice.
While he claims to be “anti-racist,” Talarico has faced a disputed allegation from Morgan Thompson, a political content creator with the TikTok handle @morga_tt, who posted a now-viral video claiming that, in a one-on-one conversation with Talarico on Jan. 12, the Austin Democrat told her he signed up to run against “a mediocre Black man,” referring to state Rep. Colin Allred, and “not a formidable, intelligent Black woman.” Talarico has pushed back on the characterization, and Thompson has insisted she is not paid and not part of any smear effort.
Talarico’s vulnerabilities, however, go beyond donor hypocrisy or campaign controversies. The deeper issue is how he enlists religion, specifically Scripture, not merely as personal testimony, but as a political tool to sanctify progressive priorities. In Texas, where about two-thirds of adults identify as Christian, his public theology and the policies he advocates often collide with the convictions of many voters.
As Talarico gains national attention, commentators have resurfaced past remarks on religion. During a Texas House floor debate over a bill to ban biological men from women’s sports, Talarico argued that “God is nonbinary,” saying, “God is both masculine and feminine and everything in between … Trans children are God’s children, made in God’s own image.”
His position on abortion is particularly striking for a self-described Christian. He has frequently invoked the Bible to defend abortion rights, and his campaign platform calls for codifying Roe v. Wade into federal law.
During a high-profile appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience last year, Talarico argued that the story of the Incarnation supports his abortion-rights stance—contending that Mary’s consent reflects a broader moral principle that creation should not be coerced.
JAMES TALARICO IS THE RADICAL LEFT’S TROJAN HORSE
James Talarico’s campaign is a masterclass in political theater, but the contradictions are becoming harder to ignore. Whether he is condemning billionaire influence while benefiting from it, or selectively bending Scripture to bless a progressive agenda, the pattern is the same: He says what is useful to gain power, not what is true.
Texas and the Senate don’t need another left-wing ideologue — especially one who treats theology as a political prop. Texas needs a stronger leader who will advocate truth and justice: a leader whose values aren’t for sale, and whose convictions don’t change depending on the audience.