Texas Rep. James Talarico Calls 10 Commandments Ruling 'Deeply Un‑Christian' and Warns Against Christian Nationalism

Texas state representative James Talarico sharply criticized a recent federal appeals court decision that allows the state to require public school classrooms to display the Ten Commandments, calling the ruling "a deeply un‑Christian decision."

Texas state Rep. James Talarico, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate, called a ruling allowing a Texas law requiring the 10 Commandments be displayed in schools "deeply un-Christian."(Getty Images)

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a 9–8 decision upholding S.B. 10, the Texas law that mandates Ten Commandments displays in public school classrooms. The court concluded the statute does not violate the Constitution’s Establishment Clause or Free Exercise Clause, writing that "because Plaintiffs fail to show that [Texas law] S.B. 10 substantially burdens their right to religious exercise, their Free Exercise claims must be dismissed."

A copy of the Ten Commandments is displayed in a classroom at Bagdad Elementary School in Leander, Texas, on Nov. 19, 2025, following a state law requiring school districts to post them in classrooms.

Talarico: A Faith-Based Critique

Speaking on CNN, Talarico — a Presbyterian seminarian, former middle school teacher and Democratic candidate in a high-profile U.S. Senate race — argued the ruling threatens religious pluralism in Texas. "I’m a Christian, but I know that the most dangerous form of government is theocracy," he said, adding that he does not want the government "forcing a religion down my throat."

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"My faith teaches me to love my neighbor as myself. Not just my neighbors who look like me, not just my neighbors who vote like me, not just my neighbors who pray like me," Talarico said, explicitly naming Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh, agnostic and atheist neighbors as included in that obligation.

Political and Legal Reactions

Attorney General Ken Paxton, who defended S.B. 10 in court, hailed the ruling as a "major victory for Texas and our moral values," saying the Ten Commandments "have had a profound impact on our nation, and it’s important that students learn from them every single day." Paxton later attacked Talarico on X, accusing him of being "morally bankrupt."

Conservative commentators also criticized Talarico. Andrew Kolvet, a spokesman for Turning Point USA, posted on X: "Imagine being a Christian who goes on CNN to condemn putting the Ten Commandments in schools. Imagine James Talarico." A spokesperson for Sen. John Cornyn told reporters the senator supports the ruling.

Separation Of Church And State

Talarico argued the separation of church and state protects both religion and democracy. "The separation of church and state is a sacred boundary that doesn’t just benefit the state — it also benefits the church, because when the church gets too cozy with political power, it loses its prophetic voice," he said.

Throughout his tenure in the Texas House, Talarico has opposed the Ten Commandments bill, calling it "idolatrous." His Senate campaign and the reactions to this ruling underscore how questions about religion, public education and political identity are shaping this election cycle in Texas.