State Rep. James Talarico (D-TX) is facing criticism after newly surfaced audio from a 2021 podcast revealed comments in which he described himself as “a Christian who hates Christianity.”
The remarks emerged as Talarico, a Democrat from Austin, campaigns in a high-profile U.S. Senate race against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Talarico has frequently emphasized his Christian faith while advocating for progressive policy positions and has often described religion as a central influence on his political views.
The comments were made during an appearance on the “Activist Theology” podcast hosted by Roberto Che Henderson-Espinoza and Rev. Anna Golladay.
During a discussion about faith, politics and theology, Talarico reflected on his relationship with Christianity.
“I always think of myself as a Christian who hates Christianity, right?” Talarico said during the podcast.
The comment has drawn attention from critics who argue it conflicts with the faith-centered message he has promoted on the campaign trail.
Supporters have countered that the remarks were part of a broader discussion about religious institutions and not Christianity itself.
Throughout the interview, Talarico spoke extensively about his faith and described Christianity as a continuing source of inspiration.
“And I always get drawn back into it because nowhere else, in no other political philosophy, in no other economic theory, do I find anything as truly radical or revolutionary as the teachings of that barefoot Rabbi,” Talarico said.
The podcast featured discussions about progressive theology, social justice and the role of religion in public life.
Talarico praised Henderson-Espinoza, a theologian known for writing about gender, sexuality and faith.
He told the hosts that their work had inspired him and said he admired their contributions to theological discussions.
The lawmaker also discussed longtime Austin minister Jim Rigby, whom he credited with influencing his views.
Talarico described Rigby as part of a Christian anarchist tradition and praised his commitment to social justice causes.
“Now I look back and understand what kind of risks he was taking with his own career,” Talarico said.
He also referred to Rigby as a “true white traitor,” a phrase sometimes used in academic and activist circles to describe rejection of racial privilege.
During the interview, Talarico reflected on race and gender and argued that both influence how individuals understand society, per Trending Politics.
“My whiteness and my masculinity, all of those things limit my imagination about what’s possible,” he said.
Talarico also argued that Christianity can be an effective political force because many Americans, including political opponents, identify with the faith.
“The reason I think Christianity can be powerful in our context in this country is because so many of our political opponents share that tradition,” he said.
He further described Jesus as a socialist and anarchist figure, comments likely to draw criticism from some conservative Christian voters.
Republicans have seized on the remarks as evidence that Talarico’s religious messaging masks a broader progressive political agenda.
Supporters argue the comments reflect an effort to reconcile faith with social and political activism.
The resurfaced audio comes as the Senate race enters a critical phase, with both campaigns seeking to define Talarico’s public image before voters head to the polls.
The debate over the comments is expected to remain a point of contention throughout the campaign.
