Talarico’s Christian campaign message divides Texas evangelicals

James Talarico, a Democratic candidate for the US Senate in Texas, has made his Christian faith central to his campaign, attracting strong support from Democrats but provoking fierce criticism from evangelical leaders. The dispute could affect his prospects in a state where evangelical voters are a significant part of the electorate, and has become a wider argument over what Christianity teaches.

Talarico has made or supported progressive claims about gender, abortion, healthcare and other religions, some of which he has since qualified or walked back. Dallas pastor Robert Jeffress called his views wrong and said conservative Christians would not vote for him, though some may abstain or reject Republican Ken Paxton, his scandal-hit opponent. The article estimates evangelicals make up about 25 per cent of Texas voters and describes online accusations against Talarico, including claims that he is a heretic or the Antichrist.