Talarico Claims He Hates Christianity In Shocking Resurfaced Clip
Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico is facing attention over a resurfaced interview in which he described himself as a Christian who “hates Christianity,” adding another controversy to a campaign already marked by disputes over his religious beliefs.
The remarks came during a March 2021 appearance on the *Activist Theology Podcast*, where the progressive Texas lawmaker joined theologian Roberto Che Espinoza and minister Anna Golladay for a discussion about Christianity, political activism, and social justice. Espinoza has publicly identified as transgender and queer.
“I always think of myself as a Christian who hates Christianity,” Talarico said during the conversation.
The recording first attracted widespread attention in June when Republican researchers circulated footage of the exchange. The comments have since become part of a Republican effort to challenge Talarico’s religious credentials as he campaigns against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in November’s closely watched Senate election.
During the interview, Talarico explained that despite his frustrations with Christianity, he repeatedly finds himself returning to the teachings of Jesus Christ.
He described Jesus as a “barefoot rabbi” whose teachings offered a revolutionary alternative to conventional political and economic philosophies. Talarico also drew comparisons between Christian teachings and those found in Buddhism and other mystical traditions.
WATCH:
🚨 UNEARTHED
In an interview with a self-described “TransQueer” activist theologian, Texas Democrat James Talarico says he “hates” Christianity:
“I always think of myself as a Christian who hates Christianity.” https://t.co/wFEONx03CW
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) June 23, 2026
The Democrat’s remarks attracted criticism partly because Christianity has become a central component of his political identity. A Presbyterian seminarian, Talarico frequently cites biblical teachings while defending progressive positions on abortion, gender identity, and other contentious social issues.
His admiration for Espinoza also attracted attention. During the podcast, Talarico praised the theologian’s writings and explained how they had influenced his thinking about religion and politics.
Talarico also acknowledged that his personal background shaped his worldview, arguing that his experiences as a white man could limit his understanding of other people’s struggles.
The interview included a discussion about his relationships with Republican colleagues in the Texas Legislature. Talarico explained that he initially expected to encounter hostile individuals responsible for passing legislation he believed threatened transgender people.
Instead, he said, he discovered that some of those lawmakers were personally decent despite supporting policies he strongly opposed.
Republicans have argued that the podcast remarks fit a larger pattern of unconventional theological statements from the Democratic nominee.
Talarico has previously described God as nonbinary and argued that Christian teachings can support abortion rights, positions that have drawn objections from religious conservatives.
The dispute continued during an October CNN town hall, when a Christian voter confronted Talarico about his previous statements concerning gender and biblical authority.
Talarico acknowledged that his earlier language about God’s gender had been deliberately provocative, while maintaining that his underlying theological argument was defensible.
His campaign has also rejected accusations that he opposes Christianity itself. Paxton’s campaign has offered a different interpretation, accusing Talarico of invoking Christianity to defend progressive policies that many traditional believers reject.
The disagreement has become a recurring feature of the Texas Senate contest, where both candidates have made religious convictions part of their appeals to voters.