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WATCH:
Talarico pushes back in CBS interview
In a recent interview with CBS—his first major sit-down following Paxton’s GOP runoff victory—Talarico was pressed directly on several of the statements now circulating in campaign ads. Rather than distancing himself from the comments, he doubled down in part, arguing the attacks were politically motivated.
He responded by saying Paxton was “intentionally clipping my cringey comments to distract from his career of corruption.”
The interview placed Talarico’s past rhetoric back under a national spotlight, reigniting debate over his previous floor speeches and media appearances.
CNN interview reignites controversy over theological comments
Talarico also recently appeared on CNN with host Jake Tapper, where he was asked about earlier remarks regarding the nature of God and gender.
During the exchange, he reiterated his controversial theological framing, stating that “God is both masculine and feminine” and adding that “God is nonbinary.”
Defending his comments, Talarico blamed Republican critics for what he described as politically charged reactions, arguing that his remarks were rooted in broader theological interpretation.
“I don’t think it’s controversial theologically. Most Christians would acknowledge that God is beyond gender,” he said.
He further pointed to biblical language, referencing the Apostle Paul and stating, “In Christ there is neither male nor female,” framing the argument as one of spiritual equality rather than literal gender identity.
“If someone’s got a problem with that statement, they shouldn’t take it up with me. They should take it up with the Apostle Paul,” he added.
In the interview, he also said, “I understand that that comment is a little bit provocative,” explaining that his intent was to respond to Republican legislators he characterized as “extremists” during a Texas House floor debate.
CBS follow-up: biology, backlash, and political messaging
Pressed further in his CBS interview, Talarico revisited other controversial claims, including his past suggestion that there are more than two biological sexes.
When asked about his earlier statement that “there are many more than two biological sexes, in fact, there are six,” he attempted to clarify by referencing chromosomal variations and arguing for greater sensitivity toward individuals with genetic conditions.
While he acknowledged, “I know there are two sexes, men and women,” he also insisted that discussions of biological sex should account for medical complexity.
Critics, however, argue his remarks blur scientific distinctions and are being used as political talking points in campaign messaging.
He was also challenged over his prior advocacy related to diet and environmental messaging. Despite previously stating, “It is now existential that we try to reduce our meat consumption,” and describing his campaign as a “non-meat campaign,” Talarico pushed back against attacks labeling him a vegan.
He insisted instead that his campaign “basically runs on Texas barbecue,” dismissing the criticism as political exaggeration.
“If all they have is lying about me being a vegan, I feel pretty good about our chances this November,” he added.
WATCH:
Paxton camp escalates messaging in general election fight
As previously reported, Ken Paxton secured his path to the general election after defeating incumbent Republican Senator John Cornyn in a heated runoff, setting the stage for a high-profile statewide battle.
During his victory speech, Paxton leaned into sharp rhetoric targeting Talarico, using a series of nicknames and political jabs that quickly circulated among supporters.
“He’s even running a vegan campaign, whatever that is. He goes by a few names that you may all have heard of. Some people know him as Tofu Talarico; some people call him Six-Gender Jimmy. I’ve even heard some people call him James Talafreako, and others refer to him simply as Low T Talarico,” Paxton said.
He further described Talarico as a “threat to everything we hold dear in this state and in this country,” arguing that the Democrat’s positions on border security, gender policy, and cultural issues place him outside the political mainstream in Texas.
“He’s a threat to our security and our safety. He wants open borders and even said, ‘a welcome mat should be at our southern border.’ He’s a threat to our children,” Paxton added, escalating the tone of an already closely watched Senate race.
As the campaign intensifies, both sides appear locked into sharply contrasting narratives—one focused on cultural identity and tradition, the other on framing political attacks as distortions of past remarks.
