Democratic U.S. Senate nominee James Talarico on Wednesday said he opposed transgender student-athletes competing in girls' sports "if it endangers safety or fairness," reversing course on previous positions he took while in the Texas House opposing restrictions on trans athletes.

"Every sport has to be safe and fair," Talarico said on Fox News.

"As a former public school teacher, I care a lot about our student athletes, I care a lot about our students. And so I will oppose trans athletes playing in girls' sports if it risks safety or fairness." The remark echoes what his campaign spokesperson recently said in a written statement.