Newly surfaced audio shows Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico admitting his disdain for biblical Christianity as he continues to push his fringe faith worldview across the Lone Star State.
In unearthed audio obtained by The Federalist, Talarico described himself as a “Christian who hates Christianity” during an appearance on a Left-wing podcast.
“I always think of myself as a Christian who hates Christianity,” Talarico said in March 2021. “And I always get drawn back into it.”
🚨 UNEARTHED
In an interview with a self-described “TransQueer” activist theologian, Texas Democrat James Talarico says he “hates” Christianity:
“I always think of myself as a Christian who hates Christianity.” pic.twitter.com/wFEONx03CW
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) June 23, 2026
Talarico made the comments on Roberto Che Espinoza’s “Activist Theology” podcast. Espinoza, who identifies as a “nonbinary, transgender, Latinx theologian on the autistic spectrum,” previously taught courses at Duke Divinity School, including “Queer Theory and Theology.”
Before appearing on the podcast, Talarico praised Espinoza on social media, saying he was a “BIG fan.”
“Dr. Henderson-Espinoza!! I’m a BIG fan,” Talarico said in February 2021. “I read Activist Theology last year! As a progressive Christian in Texas, your work is an inspiration. I would love to talk with you!!”
Dr. Henderson-Espinoza!! I’m a BIG fan. I read Activist Theology last year! As a progressive Christian in Texas, your work is an inspiration. I would love to talk with you!! pic.twitter.com/FvboIajDy2
— James Talarico (@jamestalarico) February 23, 2021
The new revelations come as the Senate hopeful attempts to distance himself from his controversial views on the faith, with fresh polls showing Talarico slipping behind Republican Ken Paxton.
In a recent interview with CBS News, Talarico admitted some of his past comments on faith “missed the mark.”
“You said God is non-binary. What did you mean by that?” CBS reporter Ed O’Keefe asked.
“I was being intentionally provocative with that statement, but what it means is that God can’t be defined by human categories,” Talarico replied. “The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, says that in Christ there is neither male nor female.”
He added: “I’m always going to stand up for Texans who are being picked on by the most powerful, most corrupt politicians in the country, and I’m going to continue doing that in this race, and hopefully in the U.S. Senate.”
O’Keefe pressed Talarico again, asking if he regretted “talking about God that way.”
“There are some statements that I’ve made that I certainly regret. There are statements that I’ve made where I’ve missed the mark,” Talarico conceded. “I’ll be the first to admit that, but Ken Paxton is intentionally clipping my cringey comments to distract from his career of corruption.”
Talarico appeared to be referring to a viral 60-second super PAC ad supporting Paxton that compiled some of Talarico’s most controversial comments, including calling the American flag a “complicated symbol,” saying he loves transgender children, and stating that he believes there are six genders.
“Low T Talarico – too weak for Texas,” the spot said.
Democrats — and their donors — are banking on Talarico’s faith to help make inroads with religious voters. About 67% of Texas adults identify as Christian, including large evangelical and Catholic communities.
Josh Howerton, senior pastor at Lake Pointe, a multisite church based in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, is leading the theological charge against Talarico.
“Sometimes Christians naively go, well, there’s nice people, and there’s mean people. Well, hey guys, we’re not four years old anymore,” Howerton said in a recent podcast.
“There’s nice people who do good things, there’s rough people who do good things, then there’s nice people who do evil things, and there’s rough people who do evil things. The most dangerous one of the four are nice people who do evil things. That’s what Jesus called wolves in sheep’s clothing,” he added.
The Paxton-Talarico race, which could play a major role in determining control of the upper chamber, is set for November 3.
The theology of voting 🔽
Christians have been deceived and manipulated on this issue for decades. You need to understand what your vote IS… and what it IS NOT.
Step 1. Make sure you’re on the right “team.” pic.twitter.com/nrZbBmmHWt
— Josh Howerton (@howertonjosh) June 4, 2026
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