James Talarico, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate from Texas, recently hosted a fundraiser in New York City organized by leaders of a group that endorses gender surgeries and transition medications for minors—despite his claims of opposing these practices.
In a Fox News interview on September 8, Talarico stated that, if he were elected to the Senate, he would support a national ban on gender surgeries for minors. He described himself as “consistent” on the matter and explained that his initial resistance to a Texas law addressing transgender surgeries on minors was due to the legislation being “overly broad.”
However, the fundraiser, which took place in Greenwich Village, was led by individuals affiliated with the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and its foundation, which advocates for what it refers to as “gender-affirming care” for transgender minors.
Those who hosted the event included Morgan Cox, a director on the HRC’s board; Andrew Solomon, a member of the HRC Foundation Board; and James Costos, a former U.S. Ambassador to Spain, who serves on both boards, as indicated on an event flyer.
The HRC is recognized as the largest LGBTQ political lobbying organization in the United States.
According to a guide released by the HRC Foundation, puberty blockers are a treatment option for adolescents, and it mentions that “some trans youth may benefit from gender-affirming surgery,” which is rare for those under 17. The guide also outlines the “Common Steps in Gender Transition,” which include the use of puberty blockers for younger adolescents and hormone treatments like testosterone or estrogen for biological males and females, respectively.
Tickets for Talarico’s fundraiser were priced between $1,000 for general admission and $13,500 for a “Champion” level entry. Critics argue that the event reveals Talarico’s inconsistency, especially since he has distanced himself from the issue of gender surgeries for minors while accepting funds from advocates.
Madison Cercy, a spokesperson for his opponent, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, remarked that Talarico’s actions indicate he will adapt his stance based on his audience. She emphasized concerns over Talarico’s previous proposals, suggesting that his campaign is not aligned with the views of most Texans, who prioritize protecting children from potentially harmful practices.
Zach Kraft from the Republican National Committee shared similar sentiments, highlighting the difficulty in keeping track of Talarico’s positions, particularly given his past votes in favor of taxpayer-funded sex changes for minors and allowing biological males to participate in women’s sports.
In 2023, Talarico, who was a member of the Texas House, voted against a law that ultimately prohibited gender surgeries and hormone treatments for minors. A couple of years earlier, he drew criticism when he suggested on the House floor that, according to his interpretation of the Bible, “God is non-binary.”
During the Fox News interview, he expressed regret over the “provocative” phrasing in his comments and suggested that his intention was to convey a theological perspective rather than a controversial viewpoint.
A spokesperson for Talarico maintained that claims about his stance shifting are “inaccurate,” asserting that he remains opposed to gender reassignment surgery for minors but advocates against discrimination.
The fundraiser in Greenwich Village followed another event he attended in NYC, organized by backers of far-left Mayor Zohran Mamdani, which also supported Ohio Democrat Sherrod Brown’s Senate bid. Notably, the event featured actor Robert De Niro.
The upcoming Paxton-Talarico election, set for November 3, is regarded as a crucial contest for control of the Senate, as polls suggest the race is tight.
