WATCH -- TX Democrat Defends Talarico: ‘We're All Trans' and ‘Gay Tofu-Eating Vegans' Who Are 'Going to Hell'

A Texas Democrat has sparked controversy after defending James Talarico, the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate seat in Texas, during the Texas Democrat Convention in Corpus Christi. Ben Flores, the Democrat nominee for the state's Land Commissioner, addressed the audience with remarks that echoed Talarico's more polarizing positions. He stated, "Next time they say that James is trans, we’re all trans." His comments continued with, "When they say that James is a gay, tofu-eating vegan, we’re all gay tofu-eating vegans. And when they say James is going to hell, we’ll say we’re all going to hell."

These statements were made amid a crucial period for voters preparing for the upcoming November midterm elections. Talarico, who faces off against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R), had previously expressed support for "trans children," although he later altered his website to remove specific references to them. During a May interview on the "Alex Marlow Show," Paxton criticized Talarico's views, suggesting that his beliefs might hinder his chances of winning even in California, let alone Texas.

Talarico has also been vocal about reducing meat consumption, declaring that his campaign has transitioned to a non-meat approach, purchasing exclusively from local vegan businesses. Additionally, he has made claims about God being non-binary and described himself as a "Christian who hates Christianity." These assertions have further complicated his standing among traditional Christian voters in Texas, where approximately 67% of adults identify as Christian, encompassing substantial evangelical and Catholic populations.

Recent developments include concerns over the use of AI-generated deepfake political advertisements in the current election cycle. Bloomberg News highlighted the increasing prevalence of such ads, including one featuring a deepfake of Talarico discussing transgender children. This trend raises questions about the integrity of the electoral process, particularly as the AI industry invests heavily in influencing mid-term elections.

Newly uncovered audio reveals Talarico expressing his disdain for biblical Christianity during an appearance on a left-wing podcast. In March 2021, he identified himself as a "Christian who hates Christianity" during an interview with Roberto Che Espinoza, a self-described "nonbinary, transgender, Latinx theologian on the autistic spectrum." Prior to this engagement, Talarico had praised Espinoza on social media, acknowledging him as a "BIG fan" and expressing admiration for his work.

As Talarico seeks to distance himself from these controversial views, recent polls indicate that he is trailing behind Paxton. In a recent interview with CBS News, Talarico acknowledged that some of his earlier comments on faith "missed the mark." When questioned about his assertion that God is non-binary, Talarico explained that he intended to provoke thought, emphasizing that God transcends human definitions. However, he admitted to regrets regarding certain statements, attributing them to distractions from Paxton's alleged corruption.

Talarico appears to be referencing a viral ad produced by a super PAC supporting Paxton, which compiles some of his most contentious remarks, including his views on the American flag and his belief in the existence of six genders. Democrats hope that Talarico's stance on faith will resonate with religious voters, despite the challenges posed by his controversial positions.

In response to Talarico's views, Josh Howerton, senior pastor at Lake Pointe, a multisite church in Dallas-Fort Worth, has taken a firm stance against Talarico's ideology. Howerton emphasized the importance of recognizing the complexity of human behavior, distinguishing between individuals who perform good deeds and those who engage in harmful actions. He warned against underestimating the danger posed by those who appear benevolent yet act maliciously.

As the election approaches, the dynamics of the race remain fluid, with both candidates vying for the attention and support of Texas voters. The unfolding narrative surrounding Talarico's campaign highlights the intricate interplay of personal beliefs, public perception, and the broader political landscape in the state.