‘We cannot lose Texas’: Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick attacks James Talarico as ‘crazy’ and says defeat may not be his only problem

Texas – Texas’ increasingly competitive U.S. Senate race took another dramatic turn after Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick launched a blistering attack on Democratic candidate James Talarico during the Republican Party of Texas convention in Houston, drawing widespread attention for comments that quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the gathering.

With control of a key Senate seat on the line and both parties preparing for a fierce battle heading into November, Patrick used his speech not only to rally Republicans but also to directly target Talarico’s political message and his public discussion of faith.

Patrick argued that Talarico had brought religion into the campaign and accused the Democratic candidate of promoting views that he believes are inconsistent with Christianity. “James Talarico decided to bring the Bible into this election. And let me tell you, that’s not a Bible I’ve ever read. I’ve never seen so much blasphemy from anyone running for office,” Patrick said.

He then escalated his criticism even further. “I’m going to pray for that guy, because when he loses the Senate race, if he campaigns against God as he’s been doing, he’s going to hell, for sure.”

The remarks immediately intensified an already heated political contest and generated criticism from opponents who viewed the comments as crossing a line in a campaign that has become increasingly personal.

Patrick urges Republicans to unite

Beyond attacking Talarico, Patrick used the convention speech to emphasize what he sees as the high stakes of the upcoming election.

Republicans are working to keep control of a Senate seat in a state that has become more politically competitive in recent election cycles. Patrick repeatedly stressed the importance of maintaining Republican strength in Texas and warned party activists against complacency. “We cannot lose Texas. We cannot lose this Senate race,” he told attendees.

Patrick also delivered a personal jab at the Democratic candidate, saying, “James Talarico is crazy, but he’s their crazy.” The comments reflected growing concern among some Republicans that the race may be closer than many initially expected.

Talarico fires back

Talarico did not wait long to respond.

In a statement posted on X, the Democratic candidate shifted attention away from Patrick’s religious criticism and instead focused on economic issues and government priorities. “Dan Patrick has sold out the poor, the sick and the vulnerable to enrich his donors,” he said.

For decades, Dan Patrick has sold out the poor, the sick, and the vulnerable to enrich his donors.

Love feels like blasphemy when you worship power. https://t.co/t87pzLuwuf

— James Talarico (@jamestalarico) June 13, 2026

The exchange added another layer of tension to a contest that has already attracted national attention due to polling results and fundraising figures that suggest Democrats believe they have a realistic chance to compete statewide.

A race that remains surprisingly close

While Texas has long been considered a Republican stronghold, recent polling has indicated a much tighter contest than many observers expected.

A survey conducted by Texas Public Opinion Research in May showed Talarico holding a narrow lead over Republican nominee and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, 47 percent to 44 percent.

According to that poll, independent voters and moderate Texans played a major role in boosting Talarico’s support. The survey also found that more than half of Republican runoff voters who later expressed support for Talarico pointed to Paxton’s legal controversies as a major factor influencing their decision.

However, more recent polling suggests the race remains highly competitive.

A Texas Pulse survey found both candidates tied at 46 percent, highlighting just how uncertain the outcome remains as Election Day approaches.

One area where Talarico appeared to hold an advantage was among independent voters. The poll showed him leading Paxton by 14 percentage points within that voting group, a number that could become crucial if turnout is high.

Fundraising numbers have also added another wrinkle to the race. According to Federal Election Commission filings, Talarico’s campaign reported having $7.5 million more cash on hand than Paxton, giving Democrats additional resources as they prepare for the final stretch of the campaign.

As November draws closer, the clash between Patrick and Talarico underscores how emotionally charged and politically significant this Senate race has become. What began as a traditional contest between two parties is increasingly evolving into a broader fight over religion, ideology, and the future direction of Texas politics. With polls showing a close race and both sides escalating their rhetoric, the battle for the Senate seat appears likely to remain one of the state’s most closely watched political stories in the months ahead.