Texas Democrat James Talarico declared “God is non-binary” while defending transgender children in sports, a radical claim now fueling Republican outrage in his 2026 Senate bid.
Story Highlights
- Talarico stated in 2021 that “God is non-binary” and “Trans children are God’s children,” opposing bans on males in women’s sports.
- Texas AG Ken Paxton brands Talarico a “far-left radical” for twisting Christian theology to push woke gender agendas.
- After winning the Democratic primary in March 2026, scrutiny intensifies on his history of defending transgender rights over fairness for girls.
- Talarico frames abortion and gender policies in biblical terms, clashing with traditional American family values and common sense biology.
Talarico’s Controversial 2021 Floor Speech
James Talarico, a Texas state representative and Democratic U.S. Senate candidate, spoke on the Texas House floor in 2021 against a bill banning biological males from women’s sports. He declared “God is non-binary,” rejecting traditional biblical views of God as Father and Creator. Talarico added that “Trans children are God’s children, made in God’s own image,” prioritizing gender ideology over fairness for female athletes. This Presbyterian seminarian uses religious language to advance progressive causes, diverging from mainstream Christian doctrine upheld by most Texas voters.
Republican Pushback and Campaign Attacks
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton labeled Talarico a “far-left radical” after his March 2026 Democratic primary win. Paxton highlighted Talarico’s non-binary God claim and opposition to transgender restrictions as evidence of extreme views unfit for the Senate. Conservative media amplified video clips, framing his rhetoric as peak woke nonsense that erodes family values and biological reality. Republicans use these statements to rally voters frustrated with leftist overreach on gender issues.
Legislative Record on Transgender Rights
Talarico consistently opposed Texas bills restricting gender-affirming care for minors and transgender participation in girls’ sports. He called such measures “manufactured problems” harming vulnerable children for political gain, stating “If one trans child dies to protect someone’s damn trophy, this bill is grotesque.” In a Republican-led legislature, these positions made him a defender of transgender advocacy groups like Equality Texas. His record prioritizes activist demands over protecting women’s sports and child safeguarding.
Post-Roe v. Wade in 2022, Talarico claimed the decision turned “more than half our population into second-class citizens,” equating abortion restrictions with oppression. This aligns his campaign with national Democrats, but Texas conservatives see it as another attack on life and family principles.
Campaign Strategy and Broader Implications
Talarico redirects focus to economic issues, blaming billionaires rather than illegal immigration or transgender policies for national threats. Despite Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee endorsement for his healthcare and education work, culture war clips dominate Republican messaging. His theological framing challenges traditional Christian narratives, potentially alienating religious voters in the general election.
‘Creepy’: Democrat Senate candidate James Talarico say he ‘loves’ trans … https://t.co/0kBUAFIsDI via @YouTube
— Dr. Marcey Anderson (@ComMarcey) March 10, 2026
If elected, Talarico could push federal policies expanding transgender rights and abortion access, undermining President Trump’s victories on border security and traditional values. Texas voters face a clear choice between sanity and radicalism.
Sources:
CBS Austin: Advocates, parents speak out against Texas bills targeting transgender community