The Texas Senate race is heating up after Ken Paxton secured the Republican nomination, setting up a general election showdown with Democrat James Talarico. But a resurfaced video from 2019 is already giving Paxton ammunition, as Talarico is seen criticizing the American flag.
In the clip, which went viral on X this week, Talarico expresses mixed feelings about the flag, a stance that may alienate voters in a state where patriotic symbolism runs deep. "If you have mixed feelings about the flag, maybe you shouldn't be running for political office," said Robby Soave, co-host of The Hill's commentary show Rising and a senior editor at Reason Magazine, in a recent column.
Democrats have touted Talarico as a moderate, likable candidate who can win over social conservatives. He is a white Christian with a theological background and has held state office before. But critics argue his progressive Christian moralism clashes with traditional values. "It would behoove Dems, when choosing candidates, to realize progressive Christian moralism is just as annoying as conservative Christian moralism to people who don't share the politics being moralized," podcaster Josh Barro noted.
Talarico has previously suggested there are six genders and claimed the Bible expresses no opinion on abortion. While technically true, many Christians view abortion as murder, which the Bible condemns. This has led some to label Talarico a "faux Christian" who fails to represent socially conservative views on abortion, gay marriage, and transgender issues.
Paxton, meanwhile, carries his own baggage, including legal troubles. But social conservatives may prioritize Talarico's policy positions over Paxton's scandals. As Soave put it, "Don't expect social conservatives in Texas to care more about that than they do about the policies Talarico favors."
The race has already drawn national attention, with Talarico hauling in $3 million in 24 hours after Paxton's primary win, signaling a potential Democratic surge. Beto O'Rourke, who endorsed Talarico, called him the "best I've seen" for the seat, as reported in this endorsement.
Hispanic voters could be decisive, as their support may swing the outcome. Texas Democrats see an opening, but Talarico's past comments—including what he called "cringey" woke remarks—remain a liability. He has since admitted those were a mistake, but the flag controversy adds fresh fuel.
As the campaign unfolds, Talarico's ability to navigate the intersection of faith, patriotism, and policy will be tested. For now, the flag remarks have given Paxton a clear line of attack, and the question is whether Texas voters will embrace a candidate who sees the nation's symbol as complicated.
