In a notable shift from his previous stance, James Talarico the Democratic candidate for the US Senate in Texas has expressed new views on the participation of transgender athletes in girls’ sports. This evolution in his position comes as he campaigns against Republican nominee Ken Paxton in a closely watched race.
The former Texas House representative, who previously voted against Republican legislation aimed at restricting transgender students from competing on sports teams corresponding with their gender identity, now states he would oppose such participation if it jeopardizes safety or fairness. This change in perspective was highlighted during an interview with Fox News on Wednesday, 9 September 2026.
Talarico’s evolving views on transgender athletes
During the Fox News interview, Talarico emphasized the importance of safety and fairness in sports. “Every sport has to be safe and fair,” he stated. “As a former public school teacher, I care a lot about our student athletes, I care a lot about our students. And so I will oppose trans athletes playing in girls’ sports if it risks safety or fairness.”
This statement marks a departure from Talarico’s earlier opposition to bills aimed at restricting transgender athletes. In 2021, he argued that such legislation amounted to an attempt by the government to “police people’s private parts.” He also drew parallels between the claims of genetic advantages for transgender athletes and historical arguments used to exclude Black athletes from professional sports.
Talarico clarified that his opposition to the previous bills was due to their “overly broad” scope. He supported amendments that would have delegated decision-making power to local school boards and restricted the rules to specific sports or schools with licensed counselors. “I trust local officials and local communities to make these decisions, and that’s what I voted for,” he told Fox News.
Campaign dynamics and political implications
The shift in Talarico’s stance comes as he seeks to appeal to a broader electorate in a state that has not elected a Democrat to statewide office since 1994. His campaign has been characterized by a populist economic pitch and a focus on Christian values with a slogan to “love thy neighbor.”
Talarico’s comments have drawn criticism from Republicans who have highlighted his previous opposition to restrictions on transgender athletes in campaign ads and conservative media. Ken Paxton the Republican nominee has made the issue a centerpiece of his campaign, portraying Talarico as too progressive for Texas.
During the same Fox News interview, Talarico also walked back his past statement that there are six genders. “I missed the mark on some of my past statements, I’ll be the first to admit it,” he said. “What I meant is there are two sexes and there’s a small percentage of people with genetic abnormalities. Obviously, I didn’t say it correctly. There are not six sexes, there are two.”
Reactions and broader context
The LGBTQ+ community and advocacy groups have expressed disappointment with Talarico’s revised stance. Brad Pritchett CEO of Equality Texas stated that his organization “expects better” of Talarico and his campaign. “When did people of moral standing decide to use Texas children as a political football?” Pritchett asked. “Fairness in school sports must include trans kids. Trans kids deserve the opportunity to play sports as much as their peers.”
Talarico has accused Republicans of fixating on issues related to transgender athletes and other minorities as a distraction from broader economic and political concerns. He has argued that the culture wars are a “smokescreen” designed to divert attention from issues such as economic inequality and political corruption.
As the campaign progresses, Talarico’s evolving views on transgender athletes in sports are likely to remain a focal point of the debate. His ability to navigate this contentious issue will be crucial in his bid to secure a historic victory for Democrats in Texas.
