Texas state representative and Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico has ignited a firestorm following the resurfacing of a video in which he criticized the inclusion of Bible stories in public school curricula. Talarico, a Christian seminarian, characterized the practice as "propaganda" and "indoctrination" aimed at young students.
The clip, from a 2025 event hosted by the Center for American Progress Action Fund, features Talarico discussing his legislative battles against what he termed "Christian Nationalists." He specifically targeted a state curriculum that he claimed required schools to teach Bible stories as historical fact to kindergartners and first graders.
"These are kids who aren't able to think for themselves yet. They haven't formed their own worldviews," Talarico stated in the video. He argued that pushing such material on young children was "deeply immoral."
The comments drew swift criticism, including a retweet from U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, R-Texas, who questioned Talarico's remarks. Several commentators also weighed in on social media.
However, Talarico's campaign defended his stance, with a spokesperson stating that he "will continue encouraging Texans across the political spectrum to come together by loving their neighbors as themselves." The campaign added that Talarico, as a Christian seminarian, opposes powerful people using scripture for political gain.
Opponents of Talarico's view argue that the curriculum in question, identified as the Bluebonnet curriculum, was designed to help students understand biblical references in historical speeches and literature. Mary Elizabeth Castle, director of government relations for Texas Values, explained that the curriculum aimed to improve reading scores and comprehension by contextualizing common idioms and historical texts, such as Dr. Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech. Castle noted that the curriculum was supported by religious liberty law firms like the First Liberty Institute and officials such as Dr. Ben Carson, and that a majority of Texas parents and stakeholders testified in its favor.
Hiram Sasser, executive general counsel for First Liberty, asserted that courts have recognized the Bible's significant influence on Western culture and its importance as literature and history. He contended that understanding the Bible is essential for a complete education, citing an ACLU court settlement that affirmed the Bible could be taught in Texas schools. Tim Graham, executive editor of Media Research Center's NewsBusters, accused Talarico of hypocrisy, suggesting his opposition stems from his support for progressive ideologies that contradict biblical teachings.
Talarico, in a separate interview, elaborated on his concerns, emphasizing the separation of church and state. He expressed worry for non-Christian and atheist students who might feel marginalized by religiously-charged classroom materials. "As a Christian, I think my concern is for the Muslim kid and the Jewish kid, the Hindu kid, the atheist kid who's sitting in a classroom who now has a poster on the wall forced by the government that says, you know, your religion is inferior, or you're not welcome here," he said. He framed his opposition on theological grounds, in addition to constitutional ones, stating, "I just think if Jesus saw that, he would weep for those students and would demand that we love them as ourselves."
Talarico has also faced criticism regarding his views on transgender issues, although he has stated he opposes gender reassignment surgeries for minors.