5 minPolitics
Resurfaced 2019 Video Shows Talarico Calling Parents Who Reject Child's Gender Identity 'Abusive'
A 2019 committee hearing clip shows Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico describing parents who decline to affirm their child's gender identity as 'abusive,' remarks that complicate his effort to present himself as a moderate in a Republican-leaning state.
A newly resurfaced video shows James Talarico, the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Texas, telling a state legislative committee in 2019 that parents who refuse to acknowledge their child's gender identity are engaging in behavior he considers abusive.
Speaking during a hearing on HB 1910, Talarico said, «I think there are some folks that would think that if you deny your child's gender identity, that's incredibly harmful. And whether or not we label it with the term abuse, it's abusive for sure.»
The bill he opposed sought to prevent courts deciding custody from treating a parent's refusal to affirm a child's gender identity as evidence of child abuse. Its text stated that in determining whether to appoint a party as a sole or joint managing conservator, a court «may not consider evidence regarding whether the party demonstrates a history or pattern of acknowledging or declining to acknowledge the child's gender identity or expression.»
Talarico argued that ruling out the possibility of abuse in such cases was dangerous. «My concern is ruling it out as not being abuse, I think, is dangerous and could certainly harm some of our most vulnerable kids in the state,» he said. He added that «some of us I think really do consider this abusive behavior… an unwillingness to identify, acknowledge a child's gender identity. We consider that abusive to the child, abusive and destructive.»
That version of the bill died in committee. A later, stronger version passed the Texas House in May 2025 and became law. Talarico was one of 59 members to vote against it. He also voted in favor of an amendment to sunset the law in 2030 and supported a separate amendment clarifying that, in its author's words, «rejecting a child's gender identity or sexual orientation is abuse» and «should be treated as such under Texas law.»
The unearthed clip adds to a series of past remarks that cut against Talarico's attempts to portray himself as a moderate on gender, policing and border security as he campaigns in a state that has leaned Republican for decades. His campaign has previously said he «missed the mark» on some earlier statements.
At least one Republican criticized the comments. Zach Kraft, a spokesperson for the Republican National Committee, said in a statement, «Only perverts and pedophiles think about what is in little kids' pants as much as James Talafreako. He is a truly sick individual for dedicating his life to pushing sex changes on other people's kids.»
Asked about the bill and his committee remarks, the Talarico campaign said the candidate supports and respects parental decisions about their children. «James believes parents have the most important say in decisions about their children, which is why he sponsored a bill to protect parental rights and ensure parents are responsible for the upbringing of their own kids,» spokesperson JT Ennis said. «While James has fought for Texas parents and families, Ken Paxton has endangered them by allowing pedophiles back on our streets.»
The exchange highlights the broader political fight over parental rights and gender-affirming care that has intensified in Texas and across the country. The 2019 hearing centered on whether courts should weigh a parent's stance on a child's gender identity in custody disputes, while the 2025 law went further by codifying that rejection of a child's gender identity or sexual orientation can be treated as abuse under state law.
For Talarico, the resurfaced video is likely to feature in Republican attacks as he seeks to win over a statewide electorate. His opponents have already sought to tie him to progressive positions on gender policy, including his campaign appearances with a surgeon who performed procedures on transgender minors. The campaign has rejected that framing, pointing to his work on parental rights legislation and his criticism of Paxton's record on public safety.
The race is expected to draw national attention as Democrats look for signs of competitiveness in Texas and Republicans work to defend a seat in a state they have carried in recent presidential cycles. How voters weigh Talarico's 2019 comments alongside his current messaging will be tested at the ballot box.
