James Talarico's Austin church beefs up security

• Talarico has been a member of St. Andrew's in North Austin since he was 2 years old, he told the congregation in a guest sermon in 2023.

What they're saying: Rigby said the campaign has brought an influx of attention to St. Andrew's.

• "Most of that attention has been positive, but, because we have also received some hostile press and an influx of negative communication, we have temporarily hired plain clothes security as a safety precaution," Rigby wrote on Facebook.
• He added that church leaders are weighing longer-term safety measures.
• "We want you to know your safety is very important to us and we are doing all we can to protect you," Rigby added. "We just thought you had a right to know about this situation before you came to visit."

Talarico's campaign declined to comment.

• Rigby did not immediately return Axios' request for comment.

Between the lines: Republicans have already seized on Talarico's religious views, amplifying past remarks to argue he is out of step with Texas voters.

• Talarico, who began pursuing a master of divinity degree at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in 2022, has defended his views as rooted in his faith.
• He has also criticized Republican policy, including a law requiring Texas public schools to post the Ten Commandments, as anti-Christian.