Talarico Faces Backlash for Christmas Post Featuring Fauci Toy

WHO:

IJR - Texas Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico received a Dr. Anthony Fauci doll.

Fox News - Republican congressman Brandon Gill questioned if Talarico still plays with the Fauci action figure.

Fox News - Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is Talarico's opponent in the Senate race.

Fox News - Commentator Benny Johnson mocked Talarico on X.

WHAT:

IJR - Talarico celebrated receiving the Fauci doll on Christmas Day 2021.

Fox News - Talarico posted on social media, "I got the coolest action figure for Christmas! Thank you to all the health care superheroes working today. Let’s help by getting vaxxed and boosted!"

Fox News - Talarico's post resurfaced as Fauci returned to the news cycle for invoking the Fifth Amendment during congressional questioning.

Fox News - The Fauci figurine is part of a line of toys called "real life action figures" manufactured by FCTRY, priced around $25.

WHERE:

IJR - The event took place in Texas, where Talarico is a Senate nominee.

Fox News - Talarico was serving as a member of the Texas House of Representatives at the time of his post.

WHEN:

IJR - Talarico received the Fauci doll on Christmas Day 2021.

Fox News - Talarico's post was made on Christmas Day 2021.

WHY:

Fox News - Republicans are attempting to portray Talarico as effeminate to harm his image among Texas voters.

Fox News - Talarico's admiration for Fauci is viewed by Republicans as potentially damaging to his electoral prospects.

HOW:

Fox News - Talarico's post was shared on social media, leading to mockery from conservative pundits and lawmakers.

(UPDATED July 30, 2026 20:30 UTC)

Texas Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico recently found himself in the spotlight after receiving a Dr. Anthony Fauci doll, which he celebrated on social media back on Christmas Day 2021. His post, where he expressed gratitude for the "coolest action figure" and encouraged vaccinations, has resurfaced amid ongoing political discourse, prompting Republican congressman Brandon Gill to question whether Talarico still plays with the figurine. As Talarico faces off against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the Senate race, conservative commentators have mocked him, suggesting that his admiration for Fauci could hurt his appeal among Texas voters.