A leaked recording of Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico has prompted renewed scrutiny of his stance on transgender athletes as the campaign nears its conclusion.
This footage, originally released in September, captures Talarico reassuring a supporter that his views have remained consistent, despite his earlier statements to Fox News regarding the potential risks to safety and fairness from transgender athletes competing in women’s sports.
The conversation occurred on September 13th at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in Houston, where Talarico was questioned about supporting a transgender niece’s rights to compete.
“Always,” he replied, emphasizing his commitment to fight for trans children. Talarico insisted that his approach involves community-based eligibility decisions rather than broad restrictions.
“I think these should be local decisions, sport by sport, athlete by athlete,” he clarified, claiming he holds the most inclusive position among candidates. He attempted to reassure the supporter that his stance hadn’t altered.
This revelation has sparked fresh interest in Talarico’s policies as the election looms.
In an earlier interview with Fox News, he stressed the importance of safeguarding female athletes while acknowledging past missteps.
“Every sport must be safe and fair. I care deeply about our student athletes, and I will oppose trans athletes in girls’ sports if it jeopardizes safety or fairness,” Talarico stated.
However, just days later, he reiterated to the supporter that his core beliefs remained unchanged, presenting his view as inclusive.
The contradiction in Talarico’s messaging has become a contentious issue, with Republicans asserting that his public statements conflict with his legislative actions.
Wow I completely missed this.
Daily Wire caught Talarico on hidden video in September saying he fully intends to push the same trans policies he supported in the past.
There’s no way Texas votes for this guy. https://t.co/cZSlvWNQao
— Walter Curt (@wcdispatch) October 25, 2026
In 2021, he voted against Texas Senate Bill 29, which would have mandated that public school athletes compete according to the sex assigned at birth.
Additionally, he opposed Senate Bill 14 in 2023, which aimed to limit gender-transition treatments for minors.
During his Fox News interview, Talarico advocated for a nationwide ban on gender-transition surgeries for minors, a stark contrast to his earlier votes.
While Talarico argues that his position on athletics allows for restrictions to ensure safety and fairness, he also insists that eligibility determinations should be localized.
Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton’s campaign has seized on the undercover footage as proof of Talarico’s dual messaging.
“James Talarico can’t outrun his own radical record, and this bombshell video proves it,” stated Madison Cercy, a spokesperson for Paxton’s campaign. “He voted against protecting kids and girls’ sports. Now he admits his position ‘hasn’t changed.’ This video fully reveals James Talarico for what he is: a hypocrite and flip-flopper.”
This isn’t the first time undercover footage has raised doubts about Talarico’s campaign strategy. Past recordings from Democratic Party insiders have questioned whether his public stances are genuine attempts to attract moderate voters.
As Election Day approaches, this resurfaced footage has once again placed Talarico’s legislative history and public proclamations under scrutiny in one of the nation’s most critical Senate races.
