Both candidates in Texas' U.S. Senate race describe Christianity as central to their public lives. On the question of how much of it belongs in public school classrooms, they stand far apart, according to a review of their records by The 74, a nonprofit education news site.
Attorney General Ken Paxton, the Republican nominee, has called his faith the foundation of his life and public service. State Rep. James Talarico, the Democratic nominee, who earned a theology degree last year, has said he tries "to love my neighbor through public policy." Neither agreed to an interview for The 74's report.
Paxton's record
Paxton's office has taken the lead in enforcing the state law passed last year that requires a King James Version of the Ten Commandments, in a 20-by-16-inch display, in every classroom. His office has opened investigations into nearly 30 districts to check that the posters are up, many of them districts involved in lawsuits over the requirement.
Opponents of the law have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to take up their case.
When the Legislature required school boards to vote on whether to set aside time for daily prayer, Paxton recommended the Lord's Prayer from the Book of Matthew.
He also issued an opinion last year saying religious literature could be worked into several subjects rather than only a standalone course, an interpretation the State Board of Education leaned on when it approved a required reading list that includes Bible stories.
On private school choice, Paxton issued a 2023 opinion that vouchers would not violate the state or federal constitution.
