James Talarico is moderating on gender, climate issues in his competitive Senate election

State Rep. James Talarico sat at the end of a long table in May 2021 and pleaded with his colleagues on the Texas House Public Education Committee.

He wanted them to vote down a Republican bill prohibiting transgender student-athletes from competing on sports teams aligned with their gender identity.

"I know many of you don't like this bill because you tell me you don't like this bill, but you think it's a compromise," Talarico said.