Ken Paxton Accuses James Talarico of 'Masquerading As a Moderate'

Ken Paxton accused James Talarico of "masquerading as a moderate" after the Democratic nominee said he opposed transgender surgery for minors.

How did Talarico vote in the past?

In 2023, Talarico voted against legislation outlawing "procedures and treatments for gender transitioning" for children.

What did the two candidates say?

• Paxton: “This is just the latest example of Talarico masquerading as a moderate when the truth is he’s the most radical Democrat to ever run statewide in Texas history,” Paxton, the three-term Texas attorney general, said in a news release. “[Talarico] has proven he will lie time and time again because he knows his radical policies are extreme and completely out-of-touch with the people of Texas.”
• Talarico: "I oppose gender-reassignment surgeries for minors," the four-term Texas House member from Austin said.

Talarico's comments regarding gender and religion have sparked controversy among Texas voters clashing with newer and more traditional ideals.

Although Talarico voted against SB 14 in 2023, he is now saying he opposes gender-reassignment surgeries for minors, contradicting his vote in the past.

“This is just the latest example of Talarico masquerading as a moderate when the truth is he’s the most radical Democrat to ever run statewide in Texas history," Paxton said in a news release. “[Talarico] has proven he will lie time and time again because he knows his radical policies are extreme and completely out-of-touch with the people of Texas.”

This is one of many comments fired between the Paxton and Talarico campaigns, as the race for the Senate seat heats up going into November.