Overview
- Audio and archived campaign language that circulated Monday and Tuesday showed James Talarico praising theologian Robyn/Roberto Henderson-Espinoza and appearing on a 2021 podcast where he said he is “a Christian who hates Christianity.”
- In the clips Talarico praised Henderson-Espinoza’s book for expanding his imagination and discussed the limits of his “whiteness” and “masculinity,” remarks Republicans have compiled as evidence of unconventional religious views.
- Talarico’s campaign acknowledged some past statements “missed the mark,” said he regretted certain phrasing, and quietly revised website language that earlier referenced support for “trans kids” and other progressive framing.
- Republican operatives and conservative outlets have amplified the material to target religious voters and shape closing messages in a race where recent polls show the contest is competitive and national groups are watching.
- Henderson-Espinoza’s published activist-theology work, which calls for rethinking gender and faith and has drawn sharp criticism from traditional Christians, helps explain the substance of the resurfaced remarks and why they matter for turnout and spending decisions.