In a notable development, Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico has expressed support for banning gender surgery for minors. He also opposes transgender-identifying men participating in women’s sports. These positions emerged during a Fox News exclusive interview as the Texas Senate race enters its final stages.
The Texas Senate race is critical for both political parties in securing a Senate majority. Talarico’s contender, Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, is embroiled in his controversies. A Republican defeat in Texas could significantly impact President Donald Trump’s legislative agenda.
In Dallas, at a food drive campaign event, Talarico expanded on his stance. Asked if he supports a national ban on gender surgery for minors, Talarico affirmed his position, stating, “Absolutely.” He clarified his opposition to a Texas bill prohibiting transgender surgeries on minors due to its broad nature.
“I’ve been consistent on this issue,” Talarico said. “I opposed the bill because it was overly broad; I supported a major amendment to limit the bill to banning surgeries for minors.”
In 2023, as a Texas House Representative, he voted against SB 14, which restricted certain gender treatments for minors. Despite proposing 18 amendments, all were ultimately unsuccessful.
Addressing sports, Talarico recognized the complexities surrounding transgender athletes in women’s sports. “I oppose trans athletes playing in girls’ sports if it endangers safety or fairness,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of safety and fairness.
Revisiting past statements, Talarico discussed his 2021 claim that “God is non-binary,” admitting it was provocative. He clarified, “You can’t use human categories to define God, and that’s not controversial theologically.” He also corrected his earlier statement about genders, acknowledging two sexes with exceptions for genetic abnormalities.
In critiquing the Supreme Court, Talarico described it as “infected with corruption” and advocated an overhaul. Proposed changes include enforceable conduct codes, term limits, and potential expansion of the number of justices.
Talarico pledged to focus on affordability, emphasizing the financial struggles Texans face. He stated, “Everywhere I go in Texas, people struggle to afford essentials: groceries, gas, utilities, healthcare.” Despite previously voting against permanently banning a state income tax, he now argues that “we should not have a state income tax” in Texas.
“The measure to ban a state income tax was redundant,” he suggested, calling it “government waste.” The measure passed in 2019.
Talarico criticized Paxton as “the most corrupt politician in Texas” and accused him of attempting to exploit Talarico’s past statements to distract from his controversies.
Fox News Digital sought comments from Paxton’s campaign, but there was no response.