Texas state representative and Presbyterian seminarian, James Talarico, has faced scrutiny after it emerged he follows several adult content creators on Instagram.
According to a report by Axios, the 36-year-old four-term lawmaker, who is running for US Senate, follows around 3,700 accounts, including users who share explicit or suggestive content. Earlier this year, he reportedly liked posts from an OnlyFans and escort account.
Talarico’s spokesperson, JT Ennis, said the account is partly managed by a social media team.
"James has never subscribed to OnlyFans or an escort service,” Ennis told Axios. “He follows back and engages with supporters who have large followings and does not investigate their backgrounds. He does not judge them for how they earn a living, and that reflects his Christian faith”.
The New York Post also revealed that his account had a back and forth with an OnlyFans model after she tagged him in a story, promoting his campaign.
Talarico, a former teacher and devout Christian, has previously spoken out against the rise of Christian nationalism in the US.
He has been praised by figures including Barack Obama and Joe Rogan for his character and public service.