In a final campaign salvo from Texas Republicans, Rep. Brandon Gill (R-TX) slammed Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico (D-TX) for his progressive politics and interpretation of Christianity.
At a campaign rally in Weatherford, Texas, Rep. Gill joined Vice President JD Vance to rally support for Republican nominee Ken Paxton (R-TX). The rally came two days after President Donald Trump held back-to-back rallies in the Lone Star State.
But even before the final days of the midterm campaign, Rep. Gill has been pushing Texans to reject Talarico, portraying him and progressive and socialist Democrats as a national threat.
“The problem is there is another movement on the other side of the political aisle,” Rep. Gill told the crowd.
Rep. Gill has been a vocal critic of the democratic socialist movement gaining traction within the Democratic Party. He said these candidates, who have gained popularity for their progressive policies and push to expand public health care, are running on a platform to “tear our Constitution in two.”
The movement’s biggest leader? Rep. Gill said it’s Talarico.
“When I look at an American flag, I swell up with great pride for this country,” Rep. Gill said. “Now when James Talarico looks at the American flag, he believes it is a ‘complicated symbol.’ Those are not the words of someone who loves this country.”
Talarico has repeatedly denied being a democratic socialist, emphasizing that he is a capitalist, though skeptical of how the current economic system favors billionaires over ordinary Americans.
However, Rep. Gill maintained that these candidates are not campaigning to promote policies that make Texans’ lives better and more affordable.
“[These] are the Democrats that would rather condescendingly lecture you about the color of your skin than promote policies that make your life better,” he said.
Rep. Gill added that the most “insulting” part of Talarico’s platform is his interpretation of the Christian faith. He accused Talarico of “twisting” Christianity to “wear it like a skin suit and undermine it.”
Talarico has identified himself as a Christian and is a Presbyterian seminarian. He has argued that his faith informs his progressive policy positions, including his support for abortion rights and expanded health care access. He has also emphasized that Christians can disagree on policy while sharing a faith.
But Rep. Gill said Talarico’s pro-abortion stance is unacceptable.
“I don’t think that reflects Texas’ values,” Rep. Gill said.
