Texas Senate Candidate Talarico Calls Ignoring Gun Limits a Disregard of Divine Warning

In a floor speech on May 11, 2023, Texas Democrat James Talarico warned that refusing to adopt HB 2744—a proposal to prohibit 18- to 21-year-olds from owning AR-15-type rifles—amounts to “ignoring God’s messengers.” The bill failed to pass, while the legislature did approve the Uvalde Strong Act aimed at tightening school security after the 2022 Uvalde elementary school shooting. Talarico frequently invokes Christian language to back his progressive agenda, which includes a Green New Deal, prison abolition, and health care for undocumented immigrants.

He has voted against constitutional carry, opposed Texas becoming a Second Amendment sanctuary, and advocated for assault-weapon, large-capacity magazine bans, and handgun safety standards. His gun-control team includes the head of “Cocks Not Glocks,” a group that uses provocative tactics to raise awareness. Critics, including RNC spokesman Zach Kraft, have attacked his proposals as an attempt to confiscate guns and fund other liberal policies.