Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick told attendees at the Republican Party of Texas convention that Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico would “go to hell” over his interpretation of the Bible, escalating a religion-centered clash in the 2026 Senate race. Talarico, a Presbyterian seminarian and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights who once said “God is nonbinary,” pushed back on Patrick’s remarks on social media. Polling from Reconnaissance/Siena shows a narrow lead for Talarico, while prediction markets give Ken Paxton a modest edge. The episode underscores how faith and identity are becoming focal points in a tight Texas contest.
Dan Patrick Says James Talarico Will 'Go To Hell' Over Biblical Views, Escalating Religion Fight In Tight Texas Senate Race
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick addresses the media outside Shelby Park following a border visit with South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem on January 26, 2024, in Eagle Pass, Texas.
Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick intensified a faith-based dispute in one of the most closely watched 2026 Senate contests on Friday, declaring that Democratic nominee James Talarico would "go to hell" because of his interpretation of the Bible. Patrick made the remark while speaking at the Republican Party of Texas convention in Houston.
Talarico, a Democratic state representative and a Presbyterian seminarian, is running for U.S. Senate against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Talarico hopes to become the first Democrat elected to statewide office in Texas in more than 30 years. Democrats point to a potentially favorable national environment and Paxton’s legal and political baggage — including a 2023 impeachment in the Texas House on allegations of bribery and abuse of public trust — as reasons the race could be competitive.
“It’s James Talarico who decided to bring the Bible into this election. And let me tell you, that’s not a Bible I’ve ever read. I’ve never seen so much blasphemy from anyone running for office,” Patrick said, according to the Texas Tribune. “Let me tell you what, I’m going to pray for that guy, because when he loses the Senate race, if he campaigns against God as he’s been doing, he’s going to hell, for sure.”
Talarico responded on X (formerly Twitter), writing: “For decades, Dan Patrick has sold out the poor, the sick, and the vulnerable to enrich his donors. Love feels like blasphemy when you worship power.” Newsweek contacted both Talarico and Patrick for comment via email and an online contact form, respectively.
Faith, Identity and Political Messaging
Talarico has repeatedly described his Christian faith as central to his public service, even when his positions clash with conservative religious interpretations. He has been an outspoken supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and has defended transgender Texans as Republican lawmakers advanced legislation affecting that community.
In a 2021 address to the Texas Legislature, Talarico said, “God is nonbinary,” a remark he later called intentionally provocative. In a September 2025 interview with Newsweek, he said the comment reflected his reading of the Bible.
Polls and Prediction Markets
A survey released Tuesday by Reconnaissance Market Research and the Siena Research Institute showed a competitive contest: Talarico led Paxton 47% to 44% among likely November voters. The poll, conducted June 1–4, sampled 807 likely voters and carried a margin of error of ±4 percentage points. Independents favored Talarico 52% to 34%, and Latino voters preferred Talarico 51% to 41%.
The poll also reported favorability ratings of 41% favorable / 34% unfavorable for Talarico, and 34% favorable / 54% unfavorable for Paxton. Despite that poll lead, prediction markets gave Paxton the edge on Saturday morning: Kalshi implied roughly a 57% chance for Paxton and 43% for Talarico, while Polymarket showed similar odds.
The exchange highlights how religion, identity and electability are converging in a high-profile Texas contest that national observers are watching closely.
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