Talarico earned my admiration when he stood up to Gov. Abbott’s education voucher scheme and the bill to command every classroom post a 10 Commandments poster. He eviscerated his opponents in the debate by pointing out they were violating the commandments by voting on Saturday (Sabbath). He reminds me of Obama’s rhetorical eloquence and puts the GOP performative Christianity to shame, exposing its hollowness. And I am thrilled to finally have a senatorial candidate I can wholeheartedly vote for.
Talarico takes Jesus back. Jesus was not a conservative by today’s standards. He was, dare I say, “Radical Left”? I love that Talarico isn’t afraid to embrace Social Justice Jesus. But make no mistake - he believes in a strong separation of church and state unlike the current chucklehead Christians in office. “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's” Matthew 22:21 and Mark 12:17. This is an ode to secular authority.
But not sure that part made it into the Trump Bible?
I think it’s more about sex of a person than race, based on past exit polls. I realize there may be some nuance when comparing these data points, but I think it is more telling about sex vs race.
2020 exit looks similar with Christian vote and white Christian votes-
Amy, I agree sex/misogyny is also a factor. Apparently, it’s not only a challenge to get white Christians to recognize and support Jesus’ teachings, but also males.
For anyone not familiar with what has been happening in Texas, the Republican Party has had a strong grip over Texas since the 90’s. Texans are ready for change! I support Beto and love that he continues to fight for Texas. If our next champion is Talarico, I will happily support him too. I’m not overly religious but I am drawn to Talarico because he is a great speaker (reminds me of Obama’s skills) and his values.
I think Talarico’s religion matters because it is actually who he is. It may help bring some folks back from the brink but only because he is an actual Christian. There are many in the so called Christian movement who claim Christianity without following its teachings. I also believe that part of what Democrats lost in the last few decades was their loyalty to working people in kitchen table issues. This article is also helpful in teaching how the founders of this country were trying to provide structure to prevent monarchy. They just didn’t foresee how one branch of this structure could be co-opted to kneel to a dictator.
Today's self-professed Christians are Christian Nationalists, with an emphasis on the second word where their view of the nation takes precedence over the first word and allows for unfettered brutality, misogyny, racism, and greed.
I grew up in church in the south. While my parents did not raise me to embrace any particular political party, it's no surprise that I was surrounded by mostly Republican Christians. I'm still a Christian (very important part of my life), but I lean middle left. I've spent many years battling with does that make me a bad Christian (as many people I grew up with tell me it does). I personally think politics and faith will never mix perfectly (nor should it), but I for one am happy to see more Democratic politicians promoting their faith instead of feeling like it's a hinderance to swing Democratic voters. There's so many people in the middle who just want decent, hardworking people representing them, no matter what religion they are.
Amanda, I grew up in the church in the south, also. (An independent Baptist church). I’m a Christian, too. And like you, my faith is a very important part of my life. I feel you when you say “does that make me a bad Christian”? Many of my family and friends think so and have even said as much. 😢 I found James Talarico online at the beginning of 2024 along with Rev. Benjamin Cremer. These men’s writings have helped me with that struggle. Their faith has inspired me. They both stand against Christian nationalism and I see Jesus in them. I follow both of them on Instagram.
I was so happy to see him running! As a Texas resident he’s been on my radar since he co sponsored an insulin cap bill in 2021. Crossing my fingers for him in his bid for senator. We can do so much better than Cornyn or Paxton!
I appreciate leaning into religion not only as a strategy but as a principle. Yes, I believe in the separation of Church and State, and I also believe in the freedom of religion for all of us, even our representatives. The use of Christianity on the far right does violence to mercy, calling empathy evil. Progressive politics belongs not just to the religiously unaffiliated but to people of faith as well.
As well as the Social Gospel, Catholic social teaching comes to mind as well. While differing in opinion on sexual ethics (especially abortion), the whole movement is in line with care for the poor. By the way, I think there is room for discussion, even disagreement on the left about abortion. We've never answered the question as a society on when life begins. We also have had a poor track record of listening to women. We need advocates both for women and for unborn children.
It's who he is through and through. As I was reading for this piece, I was really struck by his sincerity. But he's also aware that there's a lot of upside to be made from those numbers with white Christian voters.
It's actually who Talarico is. He's been in seminary and has consistently championed policies that serve the powerless and needy. He's not just adopting this stance for the race.
I haven't heard of Talarico until this post, but I definitely support his perspective. What he says is what I understand about Christ and Christianity. It's not bombing people out of existence because they are in boats off the coast of another country. It's not terrorizing people going about their lives. It's not taking care and resources away from those who need it most. The new Pope has it right. I'm not Catholic, but his message is what I understand from the Bible. Talarico seems to understand it too, and in his world, I imagine it would be possible to be different and not be scorned, ridiculed, denied resources, and brutalized.
I first saw a clip of James when he gave a speech opposing the mandatory posting of 10 Commandments in public schools. Because I was so surprised to see a Christian with that perspective, I listened to him as a guest on Joe Rogan’s podcast. I’m not a podcast person but I listened to all 2.5 hours of it because it was so refreshing! While I’m not religious, I believe we should be living how Jesus taught - love, withhold judgment, kindness to humans and the Earth. James specifically has said that it’s not the job of Christians to force their faith on others, it’s their job to live like Jesus.
This man is the real deal—authentic, smart, honest, articulate, and a true Believer in the values of Christ.
My husband and I are former Republicans who became Democrats after DJT 1.0. We call California home, but with family and a home in Texas, we deeply care about the state and its people.
As Christians who value truth and American history, Talarico’s profile and statement resonates profoundly with us:
“Progressives have got to understand that separation of church and state is not the separation of faith and politics. Unless we do, we’re going to continue losing elections.”
They stay in power by cherry picking verses and distorting them to fit their identity politics. It’s probably time the democrats used those same verses, but in context to show them they are off base.
I don't even live in TX and I donated to Talarico's campaign. I really believe we need more people like him running in politics. And I'm not religious.
I do think Talarico is what Democrats need here in Texas. He's authentic and charismatic and is so confident in his faith and how it informs his political platform that he isn't afraid to go toe-to-toe with anyone. I was initially supporting Allred when he announced his candidacy (and I still think he's great), but I feel like Talarico is giving us some real hope that's badly needed in this state.
I don’t care if you’re a democrat that leans into your faith as long as two things are true. You lean into the actual teachings in the Christian faith. Number one, feeding, housing and caring about ALL the people in this country, not just the white ones. Number two, keeping your faith out of making laws. We exist as a country, in large part, because the founding fathers were tired of kings telling them who and how to worship. Don is doing nothing but trying to repay his billionaire buddies for their money put into his campaign by destroying all agencies that help and educate people, and firing anyone who doesn’t support his horrible policies. We can last another year, and if religion is the answer, following what I already stated, then bring it on.
Talarico earned my admiration when he stood up to Gov. Abbott’s education voucher scheme and the bill to command every classroom post a 10 Commandments poster. He eviscerated his opponents in the debate by pointing out they were violating the commandments by voting on Saturday (Sabbath). He reminds me of Obama’s rhetorical eloquence and puts the GOP performative Christianity to shame, exposing its hollowness. And I am thrilled to finally have a senatorial candidate I can wholeheartedly vote for.
Talarico takes Jesus back. Jesus was not a conservative by today’s standards. He was, dare I say, “Radical Left”? I love that Talarico isn’t afraid to embrace Social Justice Jesus. But make no mistake - he believes in a strong separation of church and state unlike the current chucklehead Christians in office. “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's” Matthew 22:21 and Mark 12:17. This is an ode to secular authority.
But not sure that part made it into the Trump Bible?
“Kamala Harris received 36% of the Christian vote but only 26% of the white Christian vote.”
Race/racism is another distinction that cannot be ignored.
I think it’s more about sex of a person than race, based on past exit polls. I realize there may be some nuance when comparing these data points, but I think it is more telling about sex vs race.
2020 exit looks similar with Christian vote and white Christian votes-
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2020-elections/exit-polls/
And 2016 shows little support for Clinton in the white Christian community
https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2016/11/09/how-the-faithful-voted-a-preliminary-2016-analysis/
Amy, I agree sex/misogyny is also a factor. Apparently, it’s not only a challenge to get white Christians to recognize and support Jesus’ teachings, but also males.
For anyone not familiar with what has been happening in Texas, the Republican Party has had a strong grip over Texas since the 90’s. Texans are ready for change! I support Beto and love that he continues to fight for Texas. If our next champion is Talarico, I will happily support him too. I’m not overly religious but I am drawn to Talarico because he is a great speaker (reminds me of Obama’s skills) and his values.
I think Talarico’s religion matters because it is actually who he is. It may help bring some folks back from the brink but only because he is an actual Christian. There are many in the so called Christian movement who claim Christianity without following its teachings. I also believe that part of what Democrats lost in the last few decades was their loyalty to working people in kitchen table issues. This article is also helpful in teaching how the founders of this country were trying to provide structure to prevent monarchy. They just didn’t foresee how one branch of this structure could be co-opted to kneel to a dictator.
I agree that sincerity is key for Talarico.
Yes!
Today's self-professed Christians are Christian Nationalists, with an emphasis on the second word where their view of the nation takes precedence over the first word and allows for unfettered brutality, misogyny, racism, and greed.
Like someone once said, it is not a religion, it’s a political movement.
Agree.
I grew up in church in the south. While my parents did not raise me to embrace any particular political party, it's no surprise that I was surrounded by mostly Republican Christians. I'm still a Christian (very important part of my life), but I lean middle left. I've spent many years battling with does that make me a bad Christian (as many people I grew up with tell me it does). I personally think politics and faith will never mix perfectly (nor should it), but I for one am happy to see more Democratic politicians promoting their faith instead of feeling like it's a hinderance to swing Democratic voters. There's so many people in the middle who just want decent, hardworking people representing them, no matter what religion they are.
Amanda, I grew up in the church in the south, also. (An independent Baptist church). I’m a Christian, too. And like you, my faith is a very important part of my life. I feel you when you say “does that make me a bad Christian”? Many of my family and friends think so and have even said as much. 😢 I found James Talarico online at the beginning of 2024 along with Rev. Benjamin Cremer. These men’s writings have helped me with that struggle. Their faith has inspired me. They both stand against Christian nationalism and I see Jesus in them. I follow both of them on Instagram.
I was so happy to see him running! As a Texas resident he’s been on my radar since he co sponsored an insulin cap bill in 2021. Crossing my fingers for him in his bid for senator. We can do so much better than Cornyn or Paxton!
I appreciate leaning into religion not only as a strategy but as a principle. Yes, I believe in the separation of Church and State, and I also believe in the freedom of religion for all of us, even our representatives. The use of Christianity on the far right does violence to mercy, calling empathy evil. Progressive politics belongs not just to the religiously unaffiliated but to people of faith as well.
As well as the Social Gospel, Catholic social teaching comes to mind as well. While differing in opinion on sexual ethics (especially abortion), the whole movement is in line with care for the poor. By the way, I think there is room for discussion, even disagreement on the left about abortion. We've never answered the question as a society on when life begins. We also have had a poor track record of listening to women. We need advocates both for women and for unborn children.
But is it a strategy or just who he is and he can’t help but be himself?
It's who he is through and through. As I was reading for this piece, I was really struck by his sincerity. But he's also aware that there's a lot of upside to be made from those numbers with white Christian voters.
I know it is who he is, I made this comment to see what Jonathon W thought
It's actually who Talarico is. He's been in seminary and has consistently championed policies that serve the powerless and needy. He's not just adopting this stance for the race.
💯
Yes. He is amazing. I hope someday to be able to hear him speak
I haven't heard of Talarico until this post, but I definitely support his perspective. What he says is what I understand about Christ and Christianity. It's not bombing people out of existence because they are in boats off the coast of another country. It's not terrorizing people going about their lives. It's not taking care and resources away from those who need it most. The new Pope has it right. I'm not Catholic, but his message is what I understand from the Bible. Talarico seems to understand it too, and in his world, I imagine it would be possible to be different and not be scorned, ridiculed, denied resources, and brutalized.
I first saw a clip of James when he gave a speech opposing the mandatory posting of 10 Commandments in public schools. Because I was so surprised to see a Christian with that perspective, I listened to him as a guest on Joe Rogan’s podcast. I’m not a podcast person but I listened to all 2.5 hours of it because it was so refreshing! While I’m not religious, I believe we should be living how Jesus taught - love, withhold judgment, kindness to humans and the Earth. James specifically has said that it’s not the job of Christians to force their faith on others, it’s their job to live like Jesus.
This man is the real deal—authentic, smart, honest, articulate, and a true Believer in the values of Christ.
My husband and I are former Republicans who became Democrats after DJT 1.0. We call California home, but with family and a home in Texas, we deeply care about the state and its people.
As Christians who value truth and American history, Talarico’s profile and statement resonates profoundly with us:
“Progressives have got to understand that separation of church and state is not the separation of faith and politics. Unless we do, we’re going to continue losing elections.”
We’ll do all that we can to support him.
That's the statement that hit me, too!
They stay in power by cherry picking verses and distorting them to fit their identity politics. It’s probably time the democrats used those same verses, but in context to show them they are off base.
I don't even live in TX and I donated to Talarico's campaign. I really believe we need more people like him running in politics. And I'm not religious.
I do think Talarico is what Democrats need here in Texas. He's authentic and charismatic and is so confident in his faith and how it informs his political platform that he isn't afraid to go toe-to-toe with anyone. I was initially supporting Allred when he announced his candidacy (and I still think he's great), but I feel like Talarico is giving us some real hope that's badly needed in this state.
Talarico makes me *almost* want to move back to Texas. I'm interested to watch his race.
I don’t care if you’re a democrat that leans into your faith as long as two things are true. You lean into the actual teachings in the Christian faith. Number one, feeding, housing and caring about ALL the people in this country, not just the white ones. Number two, keeping your faith out of making laws. We exist as a country, in large part, because the founding fathers were tired of kings telling them who and how to worship. Don is doing nothing but trying to repay his billionaire buddies for their money put into his campaign by destroying all agencies that help and educate people, and firing anyone who doesn’t support his horrible policies. We can last another year, and if religion is the answer, following what I already stated, then bring it on.