Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico declared in a June 2, 2024 interview on “The Weekend Show” that the United States is backsliding on democracy. He urged Americans to look to Western Europe for inspiration.
Talarico, a former middle‑school teacher and Presbyterian seminarian, made the remarks before becoming the Democratic nominee for Texas’s U.S. Senate seat. He secured the nomination after defeating Rep. Jasmine Crockett earlier this year.
“We haven’t lived up to the promise of democracy,” Talarico said. “And sadly, here in America, where that experiment started, we are backsliding.” The comment drew a one‑word response from Elon Musk on social media: “No.”
JT Ennis, a spokesperson for the Talarico campaign, told Fox News Digital that Talarico “agrees with the majority of Texans that America is the greatest country in the world, Texas is the greatest state in the union, and we should always fight for a more perfect union.” The campaign emphasized its commitment to a more perfect union.
Republicans have repeatedly highlighted Talarico’s past statements that he calls himself a Christian who “hates Christianity,” claims that “God is nonbinary,” and asserts there are six biological sexes, which have become focal points of the campaign. These remarks have fueled criticism from GOP opponents.
In July, the conservative group Lone Star Liberty labeled Talarico an “America‑laster” after he described the American flag as a “complicated symbol,” a remark his campaign countered by saying the flag represents “freedom, opportunity, and hope.” The campaign reiterated that the flag stands for core American values.
A July poll showed Talarico tied with Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a development that threatens the GOP’s stronghold in the Senate race. The tight margin underscores the competitiveness of the upcoming election.
Campaign Defends Remarks
The Talarico campaign reiterated that the candidate remains a devout Christian criticizing the misuse of faith to justify hate, violence and greed, and stressed his commitment to building a “beloved community” through democratic reform. They argue his remarks reflect a broader call for national renewal.
Poll Tightens
With the general election approaching, the race is neck‑and‑neck, as Talarico and Paxton are locked in a virtual tie, according to the latest survey, raising the stakes for both parties in Texas. Both campaigns are intensifying outreach as the November showdown looms.
