Talarico Praises a Congressional Candidate Who Called ICE 'the New KKK' at a Get-Out-the-Vote Stop, Fox Reports
The Texas Democrat called Dr. Freddy Haynes 'your next congressman' after Haynes urged the crowd to 'melt ICE.' Talarico has not formally endorsed him, and his campaign did not answer Fox's question about the moment.
On the eve of Texas's Senate vote, Democratic nominee James Talarico shared a stage with a House candidate who compared Trump's immigration enforcement to the Ku Klux Klan, Fox News reports.
The moment. At a get-out-the-vote event Thursday on Talarico's "Clear Eyes Full Hearts" tour, Haynes spoke first. Talarico followed with: "Give it up for your next congressman, Dr. Freddy Haynes. Thank you, Dr. Haynes, for those kind words and for your service to this community."
What Haynes said. Frederick Haynes III, pastor of Friendship-West Baptist Church, is running for the 30th District seat Rep. Jasmine Crockett gave up for her unsuccessful Senate run. Fox quotes him telling the crowd that Trump "transformed ICE into the new KKK and brought about terror in this nation," and adding, "It's time to melt ICE. It's time to abolish ICE."
Haynes's record. Fox also cites earlier remarks. After Charlie Kirk's death, Haynes said in a September 2025 sermon that Kirk's views were "rooted in White supremacy" and argued Kirk's killing should not be compared to the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Fox says Haynes later condemned the killing and political violence. Fox also quotes his support for reparations.
Talarico's position. Fox says he has not formally endorsed Haynes. It notes that Talarico has backed reparations himself, as part of his faith, and in July said "we have to correct the injustices of our past." In October he argued his campaign shows "you can be a more moderate, reasonable candidate and still be exciting." His campaign did not tell Fox whether his comment should count as an endorsement of Haynes's platform or views on race.
Why it matters. Republicans have worked to tie Talarico to the left of his party, and his team has tried to distance him from earlier remarks they call woke. Our recent coverage includes the Texas ad-spending story and the final Times/Siena poll.
What to keep in mind. This is Fox's account. Talarico's comment was brief, and we have not seen the full event.