Texas Democratic U.S. Senate nominee James Talarico is facing renewed scrutiny over a 2023 bill he authored that replaced the term 'woman' with 'pregnant individual.' The bill, which aimed to protect individuals seeking abortions, never advanced past committee consideration. Talarico's campaign has emphasized his stance on abortion rights but has not addressed the gender-related language in the bill.
Governor Greg Abbott has criticized Talarico's record on crime and public safety, highlighting his absence from a key vote on a bill that would have denied bail to illegal immigrants accused of violent crimes. Abbott's proposals, including the creation of a statewide prosecutor and stricter bail policies for undocumented immigrants, have become a focal point in the midterm elections.
Talarico has defended his positions on gender and abortion, stating that he believes in two sexes but also supports dignity for individuals with chromosomal abnormalities. He has also pushed back against Republican opponents, including Ken Paxton and Ted Cruz, questioning their moral authority on issues of masculinity and public service.
The debate over Talarico's past remarks and legislative record comes as he seeks to position himself as a moderate Democrat in a deeply red state. His campaign has framed him as a candidate who can bridge divides, while opponents argue his views are out of step with Texas voters.