Texas Senate Candidate Changes Tone on Trans Rights After Confrontation

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Democratic Texas Senate candidate James Talarico struck a different tone regarding transgender rights after being confronted at a secret fundraiser, according to reports from the Daily Mail. Transgender activist Joelle Bayaa-Uzuri Espeut approached him directly about a recent Fox News interview where he voiced support for a national ban on gender surgery for minors and expressed opposition to trans athletes competing in women's sports.

'I asked him directly about his comments [on] Fox News about the trans community, which upset a lot of people,' Espeut told the Daily Mail. On that broadcast, Talarico was questioned if he would vote as a senator to ban gender surgery for minors and replied, 'Absolutely.' He also stated, 'I will oppose trans athletes playing in girls' sports if it risks safety or fairness.'

Once Espeut informed Talarico that his remarks 'hurt' many within the transgender community, he tried to clarify his meaning to the audience. Espeut told the Daily Mail that Talarico insisted his position on transgender athletes in girls' sports had not changed and believed such decisions should rest with local officials. His excuse was that he ran out of time during the Fox News segment and would answer differently in future interviews, ensuring answers included necessary context.

Democratic candidate for US Senate James Talarico clarified comments he made on Fox News. Joelle Bayaa-Uzuri Espeut revealed she confronted him directly about his comments on Fox News. He reminded the fundraiser audience that he had opposed bans on transgender athletes in school sports during his career in Texas and would not change if elected to the United States Senate.

'He said these decisions should be left to local government and local institutions and that as far of his support of the LGBT community and the trans community that his voting records speaks for itself,' Espeut recalled. His answer was well received in the room, Espeut recalled. The fundraiser was hosted by Luis Adame and Chris Robertson, co-hosted by local LGBTQ leaders and the Human Rights Campaign. About 100 people attended the event held in Montrose, known for its thriving LGBTQ community.

Talarico's tone at the fundraiser was much different than his remarks on Fox News earlier this month. In that interview, Talarico said he had 'missed the mark' when speaking about gender issues in the past. He further walked back his 2021 assertion that there are 'six sexes' and that 'God is non-binary,' saying he believes there are just two sexes, a man and a woman. Brad Pritchett, the CEO of LGBTQ+ advocacy group Equality Texas, denounced Talarico for his Fox News comments, adding that he 'expect[s] better' from the Democratic Senate candidate.

James Talarico responded to the audience, promising to add more context in future interviews. Talarico's Republican rival Ken Paxton is facing a tough battle after a contentious Republican primary. 'Any assertion that James shifted his position is inaccurate, the position James shared at this event is completely consistent with where he has stood throughout his career,' Talarico spokesperson JT Ennis told the Daily Mail in a statement.

Despite the confrontation, some LGBTQ activists were satisfied with his answers. 'I think the energy was very good, he was talking with the community, taking pictures with the community one-on-one, it just showed his engagement and investment with the community,' Espeut recalled. Espeut serves on the board of the Houston LGBTQ Political Caucus and said the organization requires candidates to fill out a questionnaire and sit for a rigorous interview and screening process before the organization endorses. Talarico earned their endorsement in the primary and in the general election, and Espeut said the organization is not walking it back. 'We have a shot to flip and turn Texas blue,' Espeut wrote on Instagram.

And the road to Blue is a road that must go through Black, through queerness and transness, and through the many intersections that make up Texas." That statement came from Talarico during the heated campaign trail. The Talarico campaign did not respond to a request for comment regarding this specific issue or any others raised by opponents.

This race now offers Democrats and left-leaning Texans their first real opportunity in years to take a Senate seat out of Republican hands. It follows GOP upstart candidate Ken Paxton beating longtime Senator John Cornyn in an expensive and contentious primary that shocked many observers across the state. Republicans are spending heavily on advertisements featuring Talarico's remarks on sex and gender, arguing his views are out of touch with Texas voters who have traditionally leaned conservative on these topics.