Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico’s longtime church, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Austin, publicly lists Planned Parenthood Greater Texas as one of the organizations that shares its “vision and goals for the world” and receives support through its annual “Benevolences” budget.
The disclosure has drawn renewed scrutiny as Talarico, a Presbyterian seminarian who was baptized and raised at the church and has preached there, campaigns for the U.S. Senate while centering his message on “Christian” faith and strong support for abortion rights.
The Dallas Express has previously reported on Talarico’s theological positions and public statements, which he presents as Christian but diverge sharply from traditional Christian doctrine on issues including abortion and the nature of Christ.
For further details on Talarico’s “Christian” views, click on the links below:
- “James Talarico: Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing?”
- “Texas Democrat James Talarico’s ‘Christ-Like’ Claim Collides With Christian Doctrine”
- “Resurfaced: James Talarico Called For Prosecuting Trump And Turning Federal Buildings Into Abortion Clinics”
“Abortion is a Blessing”
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church’s official website states that it allocates a percentage of its annual budget to community organizations that share its vision. Under the “Mission–Community Outreach” section, the site lists Planned Parenthood alongside other groups.
The church identifies as a “Reproductive Freedom Congregation,” a designation granted by Just Texas. On its official Reproductive Freedom Congregations page, Just Texas states: “We are here to say abortion is a blessing.” St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church is listed among the participating congregations.
Its Social Justice Committee supports a “Field of Hope” project that promotes organizations assisting with out-of-state abortion access. Exact contribution amounts are not itemized publicly.
Talarico’s pastor, Jim Rigby, has pushed back against characterizations of the church’s work, describing recent coverage as an attack on its longstanding outreach to marginalized communities.
Talarico’s Abortion Views and Language
Talarico has argued that the Bible is silent on abortion and supports bodily autonomy. On “The Joe Rogan Experience” in 2025, he stated:
“I say all this in the context of abortion, because before God comes over Mary, and we have the incarnation, God asks for Mary’s consent… so to me, that is an affirmation in one of our most central stories that creation has to be done with consent. You cannot force someone to create… so that’s how I come down on that side of the issue.”
Following the 2022 Dobbs decision, Talarico posted on X, with a video of him preaching:
“This summer, more than half our population became second-class citizens.
Every one of our neighbors with a uterus became the property of the State.
And nothing is more un-Christian.” pic.twitter.com/GMl9mHKoTd
— James Talarico (@jamestalarico) November 6, 2022
“This summer, more than half our population became second-class citizens. Every one of our neighbors with a uterus became the property of the State. And nothing is more un-Christian,” said Talartico.
Talarico has used the phrase “neighbors with a uterus” numerous times when discussing biological women. Talarico has also stated that when he uses the word “woman,” it should not be understood as an exhaustive lens through which to understand, examine and interrogate patriarchy.
“Our trans community needs abortion care too,” added Talarico during one of his sermons.
Talarico’s platform calls for federal legislation to codify Roe v. Wade and protect access to contraception and IVF.
Public Figures React
Republican groups and Christian commentators have criticized Talarico’s abortion stance and his framing of it as consistent with Christianity.
Franklin Graham, evangelist and president of Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, called Talarico’s claim that the Bible is silent on abortion “wicked,” stating: “Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico couldn’t be more wrong! The Bible is not silent on abortion as he claims—that’s an absolute lie. God commands us, ‘You shall not murder’ (Exodus 20:13). Abortion is taking a life—it is murder.”
“Don’t be deceived by wicked politicians spouting lies like this,” Graham warned.
Matt Walsh, host of “The Matt Walsh Show ” at The Daily Wire, has accused Talarico of twisting biblical teachings on life in the womb, calling him a “creepy-looking heretic and fake pastor who pathologically lies to Christians over and over again about what the scripture says… he is completely insane.”
Pastor Josh Howerton, lead pastor of The Village Church in Texas, has called Talarico a “heretic” and a “wolf in sheep’s clothing,” producing multiple response videos and podcast episodes rebutting his claims that the Bible is silent on abortion.
Chad Prather, a Christian commentator and host of “Noise Breaks”, has labeled Talarico’s theology “heresy” and accused him of preaching “progressive ideology hidden in Bible language.”
Vince Miller, Catholic theologian and host of “The Daily Bible”, released a detailed biblical response challenging Talarico’s interpretation of the Annunciation and personhood.
Al Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, has critiqued Talarico’s arguments on abortion and Scripture in his daily “The Briefing” program.
Organizations such as Answers in Genesis have also pushed back against Talarico’s public arguments on abortion and Scripture.
Shortly after Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton‘s victory in the GOP Senate primary runoff, Paxton said the following of Talarico, whom he referred to as “James Tala-freak-o”:
“My opponent is the most extreme radical the Democrats have ever nominated,” and a “threat to our very way of life and values.”
Talarico, the Democratic nominee, will face Paxton, the Republican nominee, in the November 2026 general election for Texas’ U.S. Senate seat.
