DALLAS — James Talarico, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate, announced on Wednesday his opposition to transgender student-athletes competing in girls’ sports if such participation threatens safety or fairness. This marks a significant shift from his earlier stance taken during his tenure in the Texas House, where he opposed restrictions on trans athletes.
<p“Every sport has to be safe and fair,” Talarico emphasized during an interview on Fox News. “As a former public school teacher, my concern for student athletes is paramount. I will oppose trans athletes participating in girls’ sports if it poses a risk to safety or fairness.”
This statement aligns with comments made by his campaign spokesperson recently, but it appears to be Talarico’s first explicit endorsement of banning transgender athletes from competing in girls’ sports. The choice of Fox News, known for its predominantly conservative viewership, is notable as Talarico aims to appeal to right-leaning voters in his pursuit of the first Democratic statewide victory in Texas since 1994. His interview coincided with a midterm convention in Dallas, where Republicans from across the nation gathered to energize their base ahead of the upcoming elections.
<pDuring his time as a state representative, Talarico voted against Republican initiatives that sought to restrict trans student-athletes from participating on teams that corresponded with their gender identity. He previously criticized such measures as an intrusion into personal privacy, equating them to efforts that historically prevented Black athletes from competing at professional levels.
<p“Some things are more important than perfectly fair competition in sports,” Talarico stated in 2021.
<pRepublican candidates have highlighted Talarico’s past opposition to trans sports restrictions in campaign ads and conservative media, portraying him as too liberal for Texas. Ken Paxton, the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate, has made this issue a focal point of his campaign against Talarico.
<pIn the same Fox News interview, Talarico also retracted a previous assertion he made in April 2021 regarding the existence of six genders. When asked if he still held that belief, he replied, “No.”
<p“I missed the mark on some of my past statements, and I acknowledge that,” Talarico said. “What I meant to convey is that there are two sexes, with a small percentage of individuals having genetic abnormalities. Clearly, I didn’t express that correctly.”
<pRepublicans quickly condemned Talarico’s comments, asserting they contradicted his legislative history and questioned his reliability.
<p“James Talarico voted against two bills designed to prevent men from participating in women’s sports,” Paxton remarked on social media, criticizing Talarico's newfound stance as just the latest in a series of inconsistencies and untruths.
<pTalarico has previously acknowledged that some of his earlier remarks “missed the mark.” He expressed regret over certain statements during a CBS interview earlier this year, asserting that Paxton is manipulating his comments to divert attention from his own questionable record.
<pAt the start of his Senate campaign, Talarico advocated for local school and sports officials to make eligibility decisions regarding trans athletes. “I’m committed to discussing how we can ensure safety and fairness in sports concerning trans athletes,” he stated during an interview in January. “There may be instances where participation is not permitted. That’s how we address public policy challenges with compassion for trans individuals while also safeguarding fair competition for all athletes.”
<pIn August, JT Ennis, a spokesperson for Talarico's campaign, reiterated the candidate's position, emphasizing his commitment to both student athlete safety and opposition to discrimination. “James, as a former public school teacher, is dedicated to protecting our student athletes. He stands against trans athletes participating in girls’ sports when it compromises safety or fairness, while also opposing discrimination against marginalized groups,” Ennis noted.
<pTalarico has criticized Republicans for focusing on trans athletes and other minority issues as a diversion from the economic challenges exacerbated by wealthy political influences that favor the elite over ordinary citizens. His campaign has focused on a populist economic agenda intertwined with his Christian faith, promoting a message of community and compassion.
<p“The only minority destroying America is the billionaires,” Talarico declared at his campaign launch a year ago. “The culture wars are a distraction. Many of the divisions in our state and country are manufactured by wealthy individuals who want us to fight among ourselves instead of uniting against them.”
The Texas Tribune Festival will feature keynotes from prominent figures in American politics, including former U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, each engaging in discussions with leading journalists. This event will take place from September 24 to 26 in downtown Austin.
