Paxton Accuses Talarico Of Flip-Flopping On Trans Youth Care Ahead Of 2026 Senate Race

Republican Texas Attorney General and U.S. Senate candidate Ken Paxton sharply criticized Democrat James Talarico this week, accusing him of reversing his position on gender-affirming care for transgender youth after a podcast comment in which Talarico said, "I oppose gender reassignment surgeries for minors." The exchange, first reported by the Austin American-Statesman, has intensified scrutiny of Talarico's record and messaging as both campaigns head into the 2026 contest.

Paxton pointed to Talarico’s 2023 vote against a bill (SB 14) that would have banned certain gender-transition procedures for minors as evidence of inconsistency. Talarico previously voted “no” on that legislation and argued at the time that the measure was discriminatory and not grounded in medical science.

"I think it's clear that this is not about science or medicine, and certainly not about keeping kids safe. I think this is about discriminating against people who are transgender," Talarico said in 2023 before voting against the bill.

Talarico’s communications director, JT Ennis, responded to Paxton’s attack by saying Talarico opposed SB 14 because it risked harming children with rare genetic conditions unrelated to being transgender. Ennis added that Talarico supported amendments intended to narrow the bill’s reach while maintaining limits on surgeries for minors, but those amendments were rejected.

Conservatives have also highlighted earlier comments Talarico made before running for the Senate: he once described God as a supreme being of "no gender" and noted that some scientists have identified multiple biological sex classifications. Talarico later called those earlier remarks "cringey" and said they had missed the mark after launching his campaign.

Paxton escalated his critique by using derogatory nicknames for Talarico, including "Talafreako" and "six-gender Jimmy," language that underscores how transgender issues are being used as politically charged messaging in the Republican attack plan.

Political Context

Debates about transgender healthcare for minors have become a potent political issue in deeply conservative states such as Texas. Campaigns on both sides are using statements and voting records on these issues to shape voter perception ahead of the November 3, 2026, U.S. Senate election.

Where this stands: The dispute highlights tensions between policy positions, political messaging and how candidates explain complex votes tied to amendments and narrower legislative language. Both campaigns are framing the narrative: Paxton as exposing inconsistency, and Talarico’s team as defending principled opposition to a broadly written bill that could have unintended consequences.

Sources: Austin American-Statesman; statements from campaign releases and communications representatives; reporting originally featured in The Advocate.