Texas Senate hopeful James Talarico shifts to oppose trans athletes in girls' sports

James Talarico, the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate in Texas, told a national news interview that he will oppose transgender student-athletes playing on girls’ sports teams when it threatens safety or fairness, marking a departure from his earlier opposition to comparable restrictions as a state representative. He highlighted his experience as a former public-school teacher and his concern for student athletes. During the same interview, Talarico corrected a 2021 statement suggesting six genders, now asserting there are only two sexes with occasional genetic anomalies.

Republicans, including Senate contender Ken Paxton, seized on the shift, accusing him of flip-flopping and pointing to his past votes against two trans-sports bills. Talarico’s campaign framed the debate as a distraction from economic issues and billionaire influence, while his spokesperson reiterated his opposition to discrimination. The remarks come as he seeks the first statewide Democratic victory in Texas since 1994.