Dan Patrick and James Talarico Clash Over Faith

Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick (R) intensified his criticism of Democratic nominee and state Rep. James Talarico (D) during a recent speech, accusing the Democrat of blasphemy and suggesting he was "going to Hell." Talarico responded by accusing Patrick of using religion to advance political power and argued Texans want leaders focused on unity rather than division.

Why did Dan Patrick say?

During remarks at a Republican Convention, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick sharply criticized Rep. Talarico.

Lt. Gov Patrick accused Rep. Talarico of misusing Christianity in politics and framed the upcoming election as a struggle between opposing moral visions.

.@lawrence: Dan Patrick just said, ‘Talarico is going to hell for sure.’ So, let me get this straight. In your state, it's the Lieutenant Governor who decides who goes to hell? @jamestalarico: That's right. Dan Patrick has spent decades selling out the sick and the poor and the… pic.twitter.com/LANG0r3SEc

— Team Talarico (@TeamTalaricoHQ) June 19, 2026

What Patrick said

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick: "It's James Talarico who decided to bring the Bible into this election. I've never seen so much blasphemy from anyone running for office."

Lt. Gov. Patrick continued: "When he loses the Senate race, if he campaigns against God as he's been doing, he's going to Hell, for sure."

How did Talarico respond?

State Rep. Talarico responded on social media, rejecting Patrick's accusations and arguing that the lieutenant governor has spent years prioritizing political donors over vulnerable Texans.

State Rep. James Talarico: "That's right. Dan Patrick has spent decades selling out the sick and the poor and the vulnerable, all to enrich his donors, and now he's accusing me of blasphemy."

State Rep. Talarico continued: "I don't think Texans want our political leaders deciding who goes to hell and who doesn't."

He added that his campaign is focused on bringing Texans together across political and cultural divides.

Why does this matter?

The exchange highlights the growing tensions surrounding a potential Senate race in Texas, where issues of faith, culture, and political identity are increasingly becoming central campaign themes.

Talarico, who often speaks publicly about his Christian faith, has built a profile that combines progressive politics with religious messaging. Patrick, one of the state's most influential conservatives, has frequently emphasized faith-based themes in his own political advocacy.