A leading candidate for a pivotal U.S. Senate seat in Texas has come under fire following resurfaced comments from a 2021 interview where he stated he “hates Christianity.” James Talarico, a Democratic state lawmaker currently vying for a Senate position, made the remarks on the “Activist Theology Podcast,” hosted by Roberto Che Espinoza, who identifies as transgender and queer, and Rev. Anna Golladay, a progressive minister.
Candidate Expresses Complex Relationship with Faith
In the podcast episode, Talarico, who has described himself as a “Christian who hates Christianity,” explained his paradoxical sentiment. He articulated that while he harbors disdain for the institution, he finds its core teachings to be profoundly radical and revolutionary, more so than any other political or economic philosophy. He drew parallels between the teachings of Christ and those of the Buddha and other mystical traditions.
Talarico, who has identified with a “Christian anarchist tradition” and humorously added “Presbyterian to spice it up” to his self-description as a “boring, cis-white man,” said he is inspired by Espinoza’s work. He credited podcasts and writings like Espinoza’s for helping him to “expand the limits of what I’m dreaming of for our community,” acknowledging how his own background and identity as a white, cisgender man can limit his perspective.
Past Statements Draw Scrutiny
This latest controversy adds to a series of past statements by Talarico that have drawn scrutiny. While Talarico has sought to appeal to a broad base of both Democrats and moderate Republicans, his history of remarks has raised questions about his broader electability. Previously, while identifying as a Presbyterian seminarian, Talarico has made statements asserting that “God is nonbinary” and that there are six genders. He also advocated for reducing meat consumption as an “existential” imperative in combating climate change.
During the resurfaced interview, Talarico also spoke about his interactions with Republican colleagues. He recounted his initial search for “monsters” upon entering the state house, particularly those who supported legislation he viewed as threatening to the existence of people he loves, such as those opposing transgender access to bathrooms. However, he admitted that he was surprised to find individuals who, despite their voting records, were personally decent and loved their families and neighbors.
Campaign Responds to Criticism
The Republican National Committee has seized on Talarico’s comments. Zach Kraft, a spokesperson for the RNC, stated, “You have to be either crazy or stupid to run for Senate in Texas openly hating Christianity and BBQ but ‘loving’ transgender kids.” He further characterized Talarico as a “wolf in sheep’s clothing” aiming to dismantle Texans’ way of life and replace it with a “woke socialist utopia.”
In defense, JT Ennis, a spokesperson for Talarico’s campaign, asserted that Talarico, a self-proclaimed Christian seminarian, does not actually hate Christianity. Ennis described Talarico as a devout Christian who combats corruption and the misuse of religious teachings to justify hate and greed. The campaign statement concluded by emphasizing Talarico’s commitment to encouraging Texans across the political spectrum to unite through neighborly love, contrasting this with what they described as attacks from “billionaire-bought politicians like Ken Paxton.”
