Texas Democrat Talarico Faces Criticism Over Church’s Housing of Undocumented Immigrants

A resurfaced video has become a flashpoint in the Texas Senate race between Democratic state representative James Talarico and Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton. In the clip from a June 2023 radio interview, Talarico discussed his church’s controversial decision to shelter an undocumented mother and son facing ICE deportation, describing the action as part of his faith tradition.

Talarico, a Presbyterian seminarian, explained during the “Weekly Witness” broadcast that his congregation had advanced progressive causes over decades, including LGBTQ advocacy and other social justice efforts. He characterized his church’s activism as consistent with his religious values, stating that “justice is just love out in public” and suggesting that meaningful Christianity requires confronting injustice.

The Republican National Committee swiftly condemned Talarico’s remarks, with spokesman Zach Kraft asserting that the candidate poses a threat to border security and law enforcement. Kraft claimed Talarico’s policy positions would harm Texas by weakening immigration enforcement and reducing police funding.

Talarico’s campaign countersued the criticism, emphasizing his support for border security and law enforcement funding while attacking Paxton’s legal record. Campaign spokesperson JT Ennis stated that the candidate supports deporting violent criminals and human traffickers, contrary to Republican characterizations of his stance.

Despite the controversy, recent polling shows Talarico leading Paxton ahead of the general election. Paxton’s campaign spokeswoman Madison Cercy criticized Talarico’s religious worldview as fundamentally at odds with traditional Christianity, arguing that voters will ultimately reject his progressive agenda once more informed about his record.