James Talarico faces scrutiny over church leaders' comments on Trump assassination attempt

Controversy has emerged regarding the religious views and church affiliations of Texas Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico. Reports indicate that leaders at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Austin, where Talarico has been a member since childhood, have made statements regarding the 2024 assassination attempt on Donald Trump.

In a video, Rev. Babs Miller, Minister to the Parish at the church, stated that some congregants expressed disappointment that the attempt on Trump’s life was not more successful. Additionally, Miller noted that a majority of the church members would likely identify as agnostic or atheist rather than Christian, challenging the religious platform Talarico presents to voters.

Talarico has previously described his faith in ways that include the idea that God is ‘non-binary’ and that various faith traditions represent ‘equal pathways to truth.’ The church is led by Senior Pastor Jim Rigby, whom Talarico has identified as a mentor.