The last time Texas elected a Democrat to the U.S. Senate was 1988. James Talarico, a member of the state House of Representatives, is hoping to buck the trend in 2026. That's made him the target of numerous barbed claims from a chronically online wing of the Republican Party. Dubious statements suggesting Talarico is transgender or has low levels of testosterone are an attempt to paint him as un-American, out-of-touch or otherwise unfit for the Senate seat. Another of those barbs is the claim that Talarico is vegan. Talarico's opponent in the general election, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, has made the claim, as has President Donald Trump. Snopes readers wrote in looking for more information on the claim. Show more Show less
James Talarico's online brand faces its biggest test, faces internet revolt | Texas Senate Race
The last time Texas elected a Democrat to the U.S. Senate was 1988. James Talarico, a member of the state House of Representatives, is hoping to buck the trend in 2026. That's made him the target of numerous barbed claims from a chronically online wing of the Republican Party. Dubious statements suggesting Talarico is transgender or has low levels of testosterone are an attempt to paint him as un-American, out-of-touch or otherwise unfit for the Senate seat. Another of those barbs is the claim that Talarico is vegan. Talarico's opponent in the general election, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, has made the claim, as has President Donald Trump. Snopes readers wrote in looking for more information on the claim.
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