Talarico Addresses 'God Is Nonbinary' Remark at Texas Senate Town Hall
Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico responded to a voter's challenge about his past faith comments during a CNN town hall. He called his 'God is nonbinary' phrasing provocative and said he wanted to be more responsible, while arguing that human categories cannot define God. The exchange came as he campaigns for the Senate.
During a CNN town hall that mixed a traditional TV format with a looser YouTube-style debate, Texas Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico faced Sarah Gardner, a Dallas-area Republican. She said his “God is nonbinary” remarks had led many Christian voters to doubt his faith, a theme featured in campaign ads.
Talarico called the phrase provocative and said he wanted to speak more responsibly. He argued that people cannot fully capture God through human labels. Gardner urged care with contemporary cultural vocabulary about God, and Talarico agreed, likening it to preachers using shocking statements to get attention.
This exchange may shape how religious voters in Texas perceive Talarico, potentially reassuring some wary of his phrasing while leaving others skeptical. It could also intensify broader debates over how candidates discuss faith, with religious communities, campaign strategists, and voters weighing whether such comments signal authenticity or pandering. The episode may influence fundraising, media coverage, and turnout among Christian constituencies.