Dan Patrick Tells James Talarico He Faces Hell Over Bible

On June 12, 2026, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick told delegates at the Texas GOP Convention that Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Rep. James Talarico will go to hell for his Bible interpretations and for campaigning against God. The remarks came as Talarico seeks to become the first Democrat to win a statewide race in Texas since 1994. Patrick faces no primary threat and used the stage to frame the November general election in stark religious terms.

Patrick Delivers Direct Warning at Convention

Patrick delivered the comments during a speech to Republican activists gathered in Dallas. He said he would pray for Talarico but added that campaigning against God would send the Democrat to hell for sure. Patrick also accused Talarico of bringing a Bible he had never read into the race and labeled the approach blasphemy.

The attack targets Talarico's public emphasis on Christian faith as part of his progressive platform. Talarico, a state representative from the Austin area and former middle school teacher, attended Presbyterian seminary before entering politics. Patrick positioned the comments as a defense of traditional religious views against what he called novel interpretations.

Talarico Fires Back With Policy Critique

Talarico responded the same day. He said Patrick has sold out the poor, the sick, and the vulnerable to enrich his donors for decades. The Democrat added that love feels like blasphemy when someone worships power.

The exchange highlights competing claims to Christian language in the Senate contest. Talarico won the Democratic nomination in March after defeating Rep. Jasmine Crockett in the primary. He now faces Republican nominee Ken Paxton in November. Both sides have used faith references to appeal to different voter bases in a state where Democrats have not won statewide office in more than three decades.

Full Field and Historical Stakes

The Senate race pits Talarico against Paxton on the Republican side. No other candidates poll above 5 percent or report major fundraising. Talarico's primary victory cleared the Democratic field early and allowed him to focus resources on the general election.

Talarico's campaign has drawn attention for blending seminary training with calls for expanded social services. Patrick's convention remarks test whether religious rhetoric can mobilize Republican turnout while Talarico tries to expand the electorate in suburban and urban areas.

Timeline to November Decision

Both nominees will spend the summer and fall on the trail ahead of the November 3, 2026, general election. Early voting begins in mid-October. Fundraising reports due in July will show whether the convention clash affects donor interest on either side.