In an exclusive interview, Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico expressed support for a ban on gender surgery for minors and opposed transgender men competing in women’s sports. Talarico retracted several controversial claims, including that there are six genders and “God is nonbinary.”
The Texas Senate race, which is close according to recent polling, is a key battle for Senate control. Talarico is running against Republican Ken Paxton, Texas Attorney General. A Republican loss could impact President Trump’s agenda.
During a campaign event in Dallas, Talarico confirmed he would support a national ban on gender surgery for minors. He explained his opposition to a Texas bill banning such surgeries as overly broad, stating he had voted for an amendment narrowing the bill’s reach.
As a Texas House member, Talarico voted against a bill restricting gender surgeries and treatments for minors. He supported 18 amendments intended to narrow the bill’s impact, all of which failed.
Talarico also discussed transgender athletes in sports, emphasizing fairness and safety. He promised to oppose policies threatening these principles, linking his concerns to his background as a public school teacher.
Addressing past controversial statements, Talarico said his previous comments about God being non-binary were meant to provoke thought, not a theological stand. He acknowledged mistakes in statements about gender, now saying there are two sexes with genetic variations.
He criticized the Supreme Court, labeling it corrupt and suggesting reforms like binding conduct codes and term limits for justices. Talarico remains focused on economic issues, criticizing Paxton’s record while promising to focus on affordability for Texans.
Despite previously opposing a ban on state income tax, Talarico emphasized his current support for maintaining it, criticizing past opposition as wasteful.