Trump rips James Talarico over gender remarks, backs Ken Paxton in Texas showdown

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump took aim at Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico during a recent appearance, calling him a “disaster candidate” and throwing his support behind Republican contender Ken Paxton as the race for a crucial Senate seat continues to heat up.

Speaking about the Texas Democrat, Trump criticized several of Talarico’s past remarks and suggested the congressman would struggle to connect with voters in a state that has remained firmly Republican in statewide elections for decades.

Donald Trump targets James Talarico while backing Ken Paxton

Trump did not hold back while discussing the Texas race, framing Talarico as an out-of-touch liberal candidate.

“This transgender, this guy running in Texas — he says there's 6 genders. He wears a mask all the time. You know, he's a disaster candidate, I'll tell you!” Trump said.

The president then predicted a decisive victory for Paxton.

“I think Ken Paxton is going to absolutely just destroy him!” Trump added.

The remarks immediately placed fresh attention on Talarico, who has emerged as one of the most closely watched Democratic figures in Texas politics.

Republicans have repeatedly portrayed him as too progressive for Texas voters, often pointing to controversial comments he made in previous years.

James Talarico addresses past comments on gender and religion

The renewed spotlight comes just days after Talarico was questioned during a CBS News interview about several comments that have circulated widely on social media and in Republican campaign messaging.

One of the most discussed remarks involved a statement Talarico made in 2021 when he said, “God is non-binary.”

When asked to explain the comment, Talarico acknowledged that it was intentionally provocative.

“Well, you know, I think I was being intentionally provocative with that statement, but what it means is that God cannot be defined by human categories,” he said.

Talarico pointed to religious teachings while explaining his position and referenced the Apostle Paul's letter to the Galatians.

“The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, says that in Christ there is neither male nor female,” he said.

The Texas Democrat also acknowledged that some of his previous remarks had not landed the way he intended.

“There are some statements that I have made that I certainly regret. There are statements that I have made where I have missed the mark. I will be the first to admit that,” Talarico said.

Debate over biological sex resurfaces in Texas Senate race

During the same interview, Talarico was also asked about another controversial statement involving biological sex.

After being questioned about comments suggesting there were six biological chromosomal variations, Talarico offered a more direct response. 

“I know there are two sexes, men and women,” he said.

He then added, “I also know there is a very small percentage of people who have these chromosomal abnormalities, and I believe they deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.”

The issue has become one of several cultural flashpoints in the Senate race, with Republicans arguing that Talarico's positions place him outside the political mainstream of Texas voters.

James Talarico contrasts his record with Ken Paxton's

While responding to criticism, Talarico sought to shift the conversation toward his legislative record and away from past remarks.

“Ken Paxton is intentionally clipping my cringey comments to distract from his career of corruption,” he said.

The Democrat then contrasted his experience in the Texas House with the controversies surrounding his Republican rival.

“Ken Paxton has a criminal record. I have a legislative record,” Talarico said.

He highlighted what he described as bipartisan accomplishments during his time in office.

“I have served for four terms in the Texas House of Representatives, where I brought Democrats and independents together to actually make progress for people,” he said.

Talarico also pointed to efforts involving property taxes, teacher pay, housing costs, child care, and prescription drug affordability.

“I have passed more than 60 bipartisan bills as a legislator,” he added.

The Texas Democrat further argued that he has been willing to challenge leaders in both parties, noting that he has criticized both Paxton and former President Joe Biden on separate issues.