James Talarico has won a historic victory in Texas, becoming the first Democrat senator from the state since 1988. The former teacher's win against Republican Ken Paxton has been met with intense criticism from the religious right due to Talarico's progressive Christian beliefs.
Alongside Talarico's victory, Democrat Gina Hinojosa was elected governor, marking the first time in two generations that Texas has had a Democratic governor. Hinojosa is also the first Latina to hold the position.
Talarico, 37, has faced accusations of heresy and being the "Antichrist" from conservative Christian groups for his theological stances. He has publicly stated beliefs such as "God is non-binary" and "Jesus was a radical feminist." He also claimed there are "six genders," though he has since partially retracted this statement. Talarico has suggested the Bible is silent on abortion and that Jesus would have supported free universal healthcare.
These views have alienated many evangelical Christians. Dr. Robert Jeffress, senior pastor of the First Baptist Church in Dallas, told the Daily Mail that Talarico's teachings are "evil."
A Presbyterian seminarian, Talarico has espoused a progressive brand of Christianity that critics have labeled "woke." During a 2021 legislative hearing, he stated that "modern science recognizes that there are many more than two biological sexes – in fact, there are six." He voted against a Republican bill that would ban transgender children from participating in school sports aligning with their gender identity and stated that parents who deny their child's gender identity are "abusive for sure."
Talarico, who was born in Round Rock, Texas, graduated from the University of Texas and Harvard. He taught middle school in Texas before being elected to the state legislature in 2018. He is pursuing a Master of Divinity degree at Austin Theological Seminary, though it is currently on hold. Talarico centered his campaign on the slogan "Love Thy Neighbor" and frequently quoted the Bible.
His victory has led some Democrats to believe they can challenge the Republican Party's long-standing association as the "party of God."