Texas Democrat Calls Ten Commandments ‘Violence’
Texas passed a law last year that would let public school classrooms display the Ten Commandments. It passed on party lines and Gov. Greg Abbott signed it. Lawsuits followed. The issue is still moving through the courts.
During debate, State Rep. James Talarico tore into the bill. He didn’t hold back. He said the display does more than offend. He called it “violence.”
He said this:
“This bill, to me, is not only unconstitutional, it’s not only un-American, I think it is also deeply un-Christian.
It does violence to both Christianity and Judaism. There are way more than Ten Commandments in the Jewish tradition—613 mitzvot—and Christianity has its own rich diversity of interpretations. This bill picks and chooses one version, promotes it in public schools, and ignores the beautiful diversity of both faiths. It has no historical basis in American history as a mandate for public education.
And let’s talk about the Founding Fathers—I am a lot more religious than some of our Founding Fathers.”
Those are strong words. They landed in a state where public displays of traditional values are popular. For many voters, the idea of the Ten Commandments in classrooms is simple and familiar. Talarico’s comment will not play well in those circles.
Republicans and conservative activists are already using the clip. They argue it shows a Democratic candidate out of touch with faith and common sense. They say it makes the case that Democrats are running on woke talking points instead of local values.
Democrats will defend him. They’ll say he was speaking about religious pluralism and history. He did mention religious diversity and the Jewish tradition’s broader set of laws. But politics isn’t only about nuance. It’s about sound bites, and this one is sharp.
Expect this to show up in ads and on social feeds. The upcoming Senate fight in Texas is close. Lines like this could decide it.
James Talarico says a Texas bill to display the 10 Commandments in public schools does "violence" to both Christianity and Judaism and "has no historical basis in American history."
He also boasts that he is "a lot more religious than some of our Founding Fathers." pic.twitter.com/NGUyTou6TD
— Breitbart News (@BreitbartNews) March 10, 2026