NaveedJames Talarico’s religion is Christianity, specifically the Presbyterian Church (USA). The Texas Democrat and U.S. Senate nominee is a member of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Austin and a student at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and he describes himself as a progressive Christian.
His faith is a regular feature of his public life. In an August 2026 sermon at a Houston church he said, “My faith is central in my life.” Here is what is documented about his upbringing, church, and spiritual beliefs.
James Talarico Early Life and Background
James Talarico was born on May 17, 1989, in Round Rock, Texas, according to Wikipedia’s biography. He was born James Dell Collins and was adopted as an infant by Mark Talarico, who married his mother, Tamara Causey. He attended Round Rock public schools and graduated from McNeil High School.
Religious influence came in part from his extended family. His maternal grandfather, Jimmy Causey, was a Baptist preacher at several churches in South Texas. In an NPR report published August 10, 2026, Talarico recalled that his grandfather told him Christianity is a simple religion.
He earned a government degree from the University of Texas at Austin in 2011 and a master’s degree in education policy from Harvard in 2016. He worked as a middle school teacher before holding public office in the Texas House of Representatives.
James Talarico Religion and Religious Views
Denomination and church. Talarico belongs to the Presbyterian Church (USA), a mainline Protestant denomination. The Presbyterian Outlook reports that he is a member of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Austin, and a Dallas pastor quoted by the publication said of him, “He’s Presbyterian through and through.”
Seminary study. He earned a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in May 2025 and has continued toward a Master of Divinity, according to the Presbyterian Outlook. He has said that the commandment to love God and one’s neighbor is why he entered politics.
Progressive Christian identity. Deseret News describes him as a Presbyterian seminarian who calls himself a progressive Christian. After winning the Democratic Senate primary in March 2026, he said, “They’re going to call me a fake Christian.” He has also said, “In reality, your politics should grow out of your faith, not the other way around.”
Christian nationalism. In a 2023 sermon at his home church, he called Christian nationalism “a cancer on our religion.” He opposes posting the Ten Commandments in Texas classrooms, and has said that forcing religion on others is not love.
Controversial statements. His comments on abortion and on God’s gender have drawn criticism from conservative Christians. He has said “God is beyond gender,” after an earlier remark that “God is nonbinary.” On abortion, he has pointed to Mary’s consent at the Annunciation. Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said he had “never seen so much blasphemy from anyone running for office.” Talarico has named Popes Francis and Leo XIV as spiritual heroes, according to Wikipedia.
Readers can compare his public faith with other politicians in our coverage of Haley Stevens’ Protestant faith and Abdul El-Sayed’s Muslim faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
What religion is James Talarico?
James Talarico is a Christian and a member of the Presbyterian Church (USA). He attends St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Austin and describes himself as a progressive Christian.
Is James Talarico a pastor?
No. He is a seminary student and state representative, not an ordained minister. He earned a master’s degree in theological studies from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in 2025 and has continued toward a Master of Divinity.
Was James Talarico raised Baptist?
His maternal grandfather was a Baptist preacher in South Texas, and Talarico has spoken about his influence. The sources reviewed do not state which denomination he was raised in, and he is now a Presbyterian.
What has James Talarico said about Christian nationalism?
He calls Christian nationalism “a cancer on our religion” and says Christians should denounce it. He first said so in a 2023 sermon at his home church.
Why is James Talarico’s faith controversial?
Critics, including Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, object to his comments on abortion and on God’s gender, and some question whether his theology is authentically Christian. Supporters cite his seminary training and church membership.
Sources
- Wikipedia: James Talarico
- The Presbyterian Outlook: Austin Seminary student James Talarico wins Democratic U.S. Senate primary
- Deseret News: James Talarico religion (March 10, 2026)
- NPR via High Plains Public Radio: Faith is a centerpiece of Texas Senate candidate James Talarico’s campaign (August 10, 2026)
Related: Gina Hinojosa’s religion, another Texas Democrat who speaks about her faith.
