Fact Check: Did Stephen Miller claim James Talarico is transgender?

AUSTIN, TEXAS: Ahead of the Texas Senate race, White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller has claimed that the Democrats have nominated their first transgender Senate candidate for the state, referring to James Talarico, sparking criticism and speculation among voters.

Let us analyse Miller’s remarks and fact-check the authenticity of his claim.

Claim: James Talarico is a transgender

During a heated online exchange on Tuesday, Miller claimed that Texas Senate candidate James Talarico was transgender, as Republicans escalated anti-LGBTQ attacks against the Democrat. 

“The Democrats made history in Texas by nominating their first transgender senate candidate,” Miller posted on X. 

In response to Miller’s tweet, the DNC, from its official account, wrote, “shut up, you ugly f**k.” 

The exchange began after the Democratic National Committee promoted Talarico on its official X account following Texas Republican voters’ decision to nominate Attorney General Ken Paxton.

Amid the queerphobic attacks against Talarico, a few remained skeptical and questioned the authenticity of Miller’s claim.

Fact Check: James Talarico is a cisgender, heterosexual man

However, Miller’s claim is false as Talarico, who won a Democratic primary for Senate in March, is cisgender and heterosexual. 

He has drawn attacks from the conservatives for his outspoken support and advocacy for the LGBTQ community, something Republicans have pounced on as the Democrat poses the first serious threat in years to flip Texas blue. 

A fact check by Grok confirmed this, stating, “Talarico is not transgender. He is a cisgender, heterosexual man and an outspoken LGBTQ+ ally. Stephen Miller's claim in the post is false and appears to be a mocking jab based on Talarico's past progressive comments on gender issues.”

Donald Trump mocks James Talarico over gender views

During an interview this month, President Donald Trump attacked Talarico, saying the state lawmaker is embracing progressive cultural positions, which, according to the president, are out of touch with many American voters, especially conservatives and faith-based people. 

The comments come as Trump has ramped up messaging on education, religion, and gender identity issues ahead of the 2026 election cycle, issues that have become central to Republican campaigns in several battleground states. 

“Well, I’ll maybe make a decision,” the president said. “I know them both very well. I like them both a lot. And, uh, you know, my record of endorsements is extraordinary.” 

“I think the Democrats have a weird, a weird candidate,” he said. 

“Six genders, a real hit on Jesus. I mean, this guy is bad news with his mask from relatively recently. And he’s vegan. He’s a vegan. All of a sudden, he’s not a vegan. He’s a vegan. Now, all of a sudden, he’s not.”