James Talarico says his church housed undocumented family facing ICE

Key Points:

• Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico, a Presbyterian seminarian and state representative, praised his church for housing an undocumented family facing ICE deportation, describing Christianity as "just another word for causing trouble."
• Talarico criticized "Christo-fascism" and the religious right in Texas, linking them to laws on displaying the Ten Commandments in schools, banning gender-affirming care for minors, and abortion restrictions, which he views as attempts to wield faith for political power.
• Republicans have condemned Talarico's remarks, accusing him of undermining border security and law enforcement, while his campaign asserts he supports strong policing and immigration enforcement focused on violent criminals, not families.
• Despite controversy, Talarico leads incumbent Republican Ken Paxton in recent polls, though Paxton and allies argue Talarico's progressive stances and statements on faith will ultimately harm his candidacy.
• The race remains highly contested, with Paxton emphasizing that increased campaign efforts will reveal Talarico's record to voters ahead of the election.