James Talarico, a Texas state representative, has gained national prominence by explicitly anchoring progressive policies in Christian Scripture. Now a 2026 U.S. Senate candidate, he faces Rep. Jasmine Crockett in a Democratic primary that contrasts faith-based outreach with a combative political style. The race could reshape how religious voters view the Democratic Party amid rising Christian nationalism.
James Talarico: A Faith-Forward Democrat Challenging MAGA Christianity
When I moved to Texas a decade ago, I drove I‑35 between Austin and Dallas and saw a massive billboard that read, “God Bless Ted Cruz.” Raised Catholic, politically liberal and familiar with evangelical churches, the image stuck with me.
Not long after, a client and I discussed religion. I mentioned the billboard and he said, “I don’t personally like Ted Cruz. I don’t think anyone does. But we all pray that God helps him make the right decisions.” That exchange illustrated a recurring tension: many religious voters feel politically homeless when parties don’t speak to their faith.
Over recent years, voters who felt the Democratic Party didn’t respect their religious convictions gravitated to Republican leaders whose personal behavior often appears at odds with traditional Christian teachings. Many Christian Trump supporters performed remarkable mental gymnastics to reconcile those tensions — in part because they felt the Democrats weren’t listening.
Enter Texas state Representative James Talarico (D). Talarico has risen to national attention by explicitly grounding progressive policies in biblical reasoning. Rather than offering general faith-tinged rhetoric, he cites scripture line by line in legislative debates, calling out perceived Republican hypocrisy — one viral moment came when he challenged lawmakers who champion public displays of the Ten Commandments while failing to live up to them.
Talarico has embraced national platforms to make his case. He appeared on Joe Rogan’s podcast to discuss abortion and LGBTQ rights, topics where Democrats traditionally struggle with religious voters. His performance there prompted Rogan to quip that Talarico should consider higher office.
Now running in the 2026 U.S. Senate race, Talarico seeks to help Democrats regain ground in a state they’ve narrowly lost in recent high-profile bids. Texas Democrats have mounted notable challenges — Beto O’Rourke’s close 2018 Senate race and his 2022 gubernatorial campaign, and Rep. Colin Allred’s 2024 Senate run — but victory remains elusive.
The Democratic primary will pit Talarico against fellow rising Democrat Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D). Crockett is known for a combative style, directly confronting opponents from former President Trump to Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R‑Ga.). The matchup presents two distinct approaches: Talarico’s faith-rooted outreach and Crockett’s fighter persona.
Both candidates are capable and compelling. Crockett may energize the Democratic base with her confrontational style, while Talarico’s emphasis on scripture-backed progressive policy could resonate with religious independents and moderate Republicans who feel alienated by both MAGA rhetoric and a secular Democratic message.
Why this primary matters: Amid rising Christian nationalism and frequent MAGA rhetoric that reframes Christianity as exclusionary, a high-profile contest between a liberal Christian and a combative progressive offers voters a clear contrast over the role of faith in public life.
About the author: Jos Joseph is a recipient of the Military Reporters & Editors award for Best Commentary/Opinion. A graduate of Harvard University and The Ohio State University and a Marine veteran, he lives in Anaheim, Calif.
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