Dan Patrick says James Talarico will 'go to Hell' over biblical views

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick delivered a sharp rebuke of Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico on Friday, accusing the Austin lawmaker of promoting a distorted interpretation of Christianity and declaring that Talarico would “go to Hell” if he continued what Patrick described as campaigning against God.

Patrick made the remarks during the Republican Party of Texas convention in Houston, where party leaders gathered ahead of what is expected to be a high-profile and closely watched Senate race. Talarico, a state representative from Austin and the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate, has made his Christian faith a central part of his campaign message.

According to Patrick, it was Talarico who brought religious debates into the race.

“It's James Talarico who 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 told convention attendees, drawing loud applause.

Patrick then escalated his criticism, framing the election in spiritual terms.

“Let me tell you what, 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,” Patrick said. “That's what we're up against. That's the darkness. That's the light. That's why we must be one.”

Talarico’s campaign declined to immediately comment on Patrick’s remarks.

The exchange underscores how faith and religion are emerging as major themes in Texas politics, particularly in statewide races. Talarico has frequently discussed his Christian beliefs in public appearances and campaign messaging, while Patrick has long positioned himself as one of Texas’ most prominent advocates for conservative Christian values.

As presiding officer of the Texas Senate, Patrick has championed legislation rooted in religious principles, including measures that recently succeeded after years of falling short in the Texas House. Among those efforts was legislation requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in public schools.

Patrick’s influence on religious policy extends beyond Texas. President Donald Trump recently selected the lieutenant governor to lead the Presidential Religious Liberty Commission, a panel charged with developing policy recommendations related to religious freedom.

Patrick’s comments are likely to intensify attention on the role of faith in the Senate contest, highlighting the stark contrast between two politicians who both publicly identify as Christians but differ sharply on how biblical teachings should shape public life and policy.