September 11, 2026
For Immediate Release
APP Warns Talarico Still Extreme on Trans Issues Despite Recent “Retreat”
“Texas families should not be fooled by this sleight of hand”
Washington, D.C. — Earlier this week, Texas Democrat Senate candidate James Talarico appeared to retreat from his previous positions on transgender issues in an interview with Fox News. However, a review of his statements reveals this apparent shift is mostly rhetorical and that Talarico still holds many positions well outside the mainstream on gender.
Talarico claimed to oppose “trans athletes playing in girls’ sports if it endangers safety or fairness” [emphasis added]. However, many on the left deny that allowing trans-identifying boys into girls’ sports endangers anything, and Talarico himself has stated that male athletes “causing problems” in girls’ sports “does not occur” in Texas, calling into question whether he believes there is any instance in which a trans-identifying athlete could endanger women or girls.
- Talarico claimed to oppose “trans athletes playing in girls’ sports if it endangers safety or fairness” [emphasis added]. However, many on the left deny that allowing trans-identifying boys into girls’ sports endangers anything, and Talarico himself has stated that male athletes “causing problems” in girls’ sports “does not occur” in Texas, calling into question whether he believes there is any instance in which a trans-identifying athlete could endanger women or girls.
- Talarico claimed he would “absolutely” support a national ban on gender surgeries for minors, and that he voted against state legislation on this issue because it was “overly broad.” This implies that he at least still supports other transgender procedures for children, including the prescription of puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones—interventions opposed by most voters. A recent report from the US Department of Health and Human Services detailed the permanent and damaging effects of these procedures, as well as the lack of evidence for their benefits.
- Besides these two issues, Talarico is also still on record as supporting access for men to women’s bathrooms and private spaces and taxpayer funding for sex-change procedures. He also has opposed requiring insurance to cover the costs of detransition care. All of these positions put him far out of step with voters.
In response, American Principles Project (APP) President Terry Schilling released the following statement:
“James Talarico is running scared. He knows his gender radicalism is a deal-breaker with Texas voters, but he also knows his far-left supporters refuse to give an inch on these issues. So he is attempting a good old-fashioned Texas two-step—seeming to moderate on girls’ sports and sex changes for minors while not really changing his position on either issue.
“Texas families should not be fooled by this sleight of hand, which is why APP will be continuing to educate them between now and November on Talarico’s radicalism.”
APP’s affiliated super PAC is planning to spend $10 million this midterm cycle, including in Texas, highlighting Democrats’ extremism on cultural issues like gender ideology.
To schedule an interview with Terry Schilling, please reach out to media@americanprinciplesproject.org.
About the American Principles Project
The American Principles Project is a national pro-family organization dedicated to making the family the most powerful, respected, and well-represented voice in Washington, D.C. Founded in 2009, APP fights in the political arena to defend life, childhood innocence, and American values.
For more information, visit americanprinciplesproject.org.
Media Contact: Josiah Davidson
Media Associate, American Principles Project
media@americanprinciplesproject.org
