James Talarico faces multiple campaign controversies in Texas

James Talarico Texas Senate race Texas Majority PAC voter compensation political controversy

Texas Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico is facing multiple controversies during his campaign against Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton.

An undercover video featuring Sky McAdams, an organizing manager for Texas Majority PAC, has drawn scrutiny for a “paid relational program.” McAdams described the initiative, which pays participants $25 to attend a one-hour Zoom class regarding voting and Republican policies, as a “roundabout way of paying people for their votes.” While McAdams characterized the legality of the program as “a little gray,” Texas Majority PAC has defended the practice, stating that participants are being compensated for legitimate grassroots organizing work. The PAC reportedly paid $500,000 to the firm Relentless for this program.

Additionally, Talarico is facing accusations of corruption from Republicans regarding his previous consulting work for MAYA Consulting (now VIDA Collaborative) while serving on the Texas House Public Education Committee. Opponents allege a “pay-to-play” scheme due to the firm receiving millions in state contracts, though Talarico’s campaign denies the claims and notes his work was properly disclosed.

Religious and social views have also become focal points. Resurfaced videos show Talarico expressing religious pluralism, describing various faith traditions as “equal pathways to truth.” Furthermore, his spiritual mentor, Rev. Jim Rigby, was filmed discussing the use of an “Inclusive Bible” at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, a text that utilizes non-gendered language for God and Jesus.

Entities

James Talarico · Ken Paxton · Relentless · Sky McAdams · Texas Majority PAC · Townhall Media

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 2 SOURCES] Talarico has previously claimed that God is non-binary. www.breakingchristiannews.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] James Talarico described Islam and Christianity as equal pathways to truth. harbingersdaily.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Miller claimed Talarico's staff is encouraging him to soften his stance on transgender issues for the duration of the campaign. www.breakingchristiannews.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Rev. Babs Miller stated that Talarico's shift on transgender issues is a political tactic to win his election. www.breakingchristiannews.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Texas Majority PAC disputed the characterization of the program, stating participants are compensated for grassroots organizing work. trendingpoliticsnews.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Rev. Jim Rigby stated his church provides copies of the Inclusive Bible to new members. offthepress.com · freerepublic.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Texas Majority PAC reported paying $500,000 to the company Relentless for a relational organizing program. opslens.com · twitchy.com
[● 6 SOURCES] McAdams described the legality of the payment program as “a little gray.” opslens.com · trendingpoliticsnews.com · www.lucianne.com · twitchy.com · legalinsurrection.com · +1 more
[● 16 SOURCES] Sky McAdams, an organizing manager for Texas Majority PAC, stated the group pays $25 for people to attend a one-hour Zoom class. harbingersdaily.com · offthepress.com · opslens.com · www.breakingchristiannews.com · www.gayvox.fr · +10 more
[○ 1 SOURCE] RNC spokesman Zach Kraft accused Talarico of a pay-to-play scheme regarding his consulting work. thenationalpulse.com