A senior House Republican has sharply criticized Texas Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico, accusing the candidate of masking his liberal legislative record behind a moderate campaign image. The remarks follow the publication of undercover footage in which Talarico stated that his positions on transgender issues had not changed.
Rep. August Pfluger, chairman of the Republican Study Committee, appeared on a broadcast hosted by Scott Jennings to discuss the high-stakes Texas Senate race, where Talarico is facing Republican Ken Paxton. During the discussion, Jennings asked whether Texas voters could trust Talarico on transgender policies and other matters.
“Absolutely not. We know that he has been fixated on those issues,” Pfluger said during the broadcast. He argued that the only truthful part of Talarico’s recent statements was his admission that his views remained unchanged, pointing to stances on transgender topics as well as the state’s oil and gas sector.
“They haven’t changed on wanting to kill the oil and gas industry, which, by the way, is the most important industry in the state of Texas,” Pfluger added. “They haven’t changed on any of his social issues.”
The criticism centers on undercover footage recorded last month by a media outlet, which captured Talarico speaking with an individual posing as a supporter. In the recording, Talarico affirmed that his position on transgender issues remained consistent, despite having attempted to reframe his approach during a national television appearance.
When asked in the covert recording whether he would defend a supporter’s transgender niece regarding participation in women’s sports, Talarico responded affirmatively, stating he would continue advocating for transgender youth in the Senate just as he had in the Texas Legislature. He further maintained that sports participation policies should be decided locally on a case-by-case basis, asserting that he advocated for the most inclusive policy among active candidates.
Legislative records show that in 2021, Talarico voted against Senate Bill 29 while serving on the Texas House Public Education Committee. That legislation proposed requiring public-school athletes to compete in sports corresponding to the sex listed on their birth certificates. Talarico was among five committee members who opposed the measure, which ultimately cleared the committee by an 8-5 vote.
During his media appearance, Pfluger also drew parallels to other political races, criticizing Michigan Democrat Abdul El-Sayed for allegedly pursuing moderate voters while holding progressive positions. Turning his focus back to the Lone Star State, Pfluger urged conservative voters to participate in early voting amid concerns over sluggish Republican turnout.
Early voting in Texas commenced on October 19 and is scheduled to run through October 30, according to the Texas Secretary of State’s office. The electoral push has drawn national attention, including dual rallies held in the state by former President Donald Trump as political parties mobilize their bases.
“So we need to wake up as Republicans. Let’s go vote early in Texas. It’s a tough environment,” Pfluger said. “Obviously, we know that. But if you don’t want open borders, if you don’t want to kill the oil and gas industry, if you don’t want men playing women’s sports, then there’s only one answer.”
