Texas Democrat James Talarico Raises Money from LGBTQ Group After Opposing Youth Gender Surgery

Democratic state legislator James Talarico, who is running for the U.S. Senate against Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton, hosted a fundraiser in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village that was hosted by three individuals serving on the boards of the Human Rights Campaign and its foundation. The HRC is the nation’s largest LGBTQ lobbying organization that advocates for gender-affirming care, including puberty blockers and, in rare cases, surgery for minors.

In a September interview, Talarico said he would vote for a federal ban on gender-affirming surgery for minors if he wins a Senate seat. The fundraiser offered tickets ranging from $1,000 to $13,500. Opponents have accused Talarico of flip-flopping, citing his prior legislative votes and past remarks about gender and religion, while his spokesperson maintains he remains opposed to surgery for minors and stands against discrimination. The contest is considered a toss-up and could determine which party holds the Senate majority.