Texas Democrat James Talarico’s Christmas with COVID-19
Last Christmas, Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico found himself home alone with COVID-19. This came a year after celebrating with a Dr. Anthony Fauci action figure and advocating for mask-wearing over individual rights. Despite being fully vaccinated and boosted, Talarico caught the virus.
On December 24, 2022, he shared, “I was infected with the new coronavirus on Christmas,” expressing his disappointment at missing family time. However, he also mentioned being thankful for his cozy surroundings and wished his friends a Merry Christmas.
In his post, Talarico included a cheerful photo of himself near a fireplace, wearing a sweatshirt supporting former Texas gubernatorial candidate Beto O’Rourke. O’Rourke had commented earlier, stating that if Talarico wins in November, he could be the crucial 51st vote in the U.S. Senate, implying that Texas could play a significant role in the country’s future.
Replying to a user on X who mentioned her mild symptoms after also contracting COVID-19, Talarico showed empathy, wishing her a speedy recovery. It’s fascinating how these personal connections form through shared experiences, even in tough times.
Talarico’s Christmas the previous year was marked by a post where he excitedly shared about the masked Fauci action figure, urging followers to get vaccinated and boosted. He mentioned in a podcast appearance that same year that he criticized those who refuse to wear masks, emphasizing that it shouldn’t be seen through the lens of personal freedoms. He had even shared a mask featuring “Love thy neighbor,” underscoring his commitment to community health.
Polls, as of late June, indicated a competitive race for the U.S. Senate involving Talarico and Republican Ken Paxton. Different surveys showed a tight contest, with numbers fluctuating between the two candidates.
In recent discussions on Texas Impact, Talarico addressed contentious issues like laws restricting sex reassignment treatments and criticized Christian nationalism. He equated these laws to what he called the “Christian fascist movement,” expressing concern about attempts to impose religious beliefs in public policy. Talarico pointed out indications of a Christian agenda in Texas schools, from putting up the Ten Commandments to teaching Bible stories as fact.
Interestingly, Talarico has voiced opposition to gender reassignment surgery for minors, despite voting against legislation to limit gender transition options. He has argued that gender should be seen as a spectrum and underlined the value of hormone therapy in alleviating mental health issues for those experiencing gender dysphoria. His stance, at times controversial, has included stating that preventing gender reassignment could be considered “child abuse.”
In discussions about abortion, Talarico interprets Christianity in a way that supports abortion rights, asserting that Jesus never explicitly mentioned it. He frequently uses the term “womb-bearing neighbors” when discussing women’s rights, reflecting his perspective on the issue.
