James Talarico faces a tough question in Texas. He is running for Senate as a Democrat. Voters want to know about his faith.
He recently sat down for a town hall. A Christian voter named Sarah Gardner asked him directly. She pointed to his past comments about God.
He once said God is nonbinary. He also used the Bible to justify abortion rights. Gardner asked if he believes the Bible is truth.
Talarico answered yes with a simple word. Then he changed the subject to early church history. He said the early church had many debates.
He argued there was no single view back then. This explanation did not satisfy the voter. Talarico tried a different tactic next.
He called his past comments provocative. He said he was being annoying on purpose. He claimed the theology behind it is not controversial.
Then he dropped a surprising name. He invoked Charlie Kirk. Talarico said the late conservative icon said the same thing.
He also cited the late Pope Benedict. He argued they both said God defies human categories. This is a strange comparison to make.
Talarico is a Democrat running in Texas. Charlie Kirk built a movement for the right. Talarico now claims they agree on God.
He wants to clear up the record. He said attack ads are using his words. He insists the core idea is not wrong.
He just said it in an annoying way. He admitted that part was a mistake. But he stood by the theological point.
He believes we cannot define God with gender. He pointed to Genesis for his proof. He said God speaks in the plural there.
He also addressed the abortion question. He told Joe Rogan there is no biblical rule against it. He claimed Christian orthodoxy on this is not rooted in Scripture.
This view challenges traditional conservative beliefs. It also challenges many mainstream Christians. Talarico tried to bridge the gap with names.
He thought citing Kirk would help his case. He thought it would show he is not radical. Instead it highlights a deep divide.
Talarico is trying to win over Christian voters. He needs their support to win the seat. His past words are coming back to haunt him.
He calls them provocative now. He says he was being honest then. The contrast is stark and confusing.
Voters are left to decide who he is. They must weigh his words against his votes. They must judge his sincerity and his strategy.
The money trail in this race is complex. Donors fund ads on both sides. Each side tells a different story.
Talarico claims he is being misunderstood. He says his faith is authentic. He points to historical figures for backup.
Critics point to his record and past clips. The debate continues as the election nears. Texas is a key state for control.
Every vote will matter in the count. Talarico must answer for his past. He must explain his present stance.
The audience is watching closely now. They are listening to every word. They are checking every source.
The facts are now on the table.