I am a husband, father, and lifelong Texan. I’ve been a Christian since I was 5 and a pastor since I was 19.

And I just proudly voted for James Talarico, Gina Hinojosa, Jon Rosenthal, and Vikki Goodwin.

While it’s true that Ken Paxton is as corrupt and morally bankrupt as they ecimated our public schools, Dan Patrick is bought and paid for by right-wing billionaires, and Bo French wears his racism on his sleeve, I didn’t just vote AGAINST candidates I know will do a bad job. I had the privilege of voting FOR candidates who will do a great job!

I originally connected with Jimmy Talarico many years ago (long before he got famous) and we became friends shortly after. He’s the exact same guy in private as he is in public—kindhearted, whip smart, hardworking, and very serious about following Jesus’ call to care for all people, especially the most vulnerable. That’s who he’s been in ministry, in the Texas Legislature, and I have no doubt that’s who he’ll be as a United States Senator too.

I’ve also gotten to speak with Gina Hinojosa, Jon Rosenthal, and Vikki Goodwin this year. I believe they will fight for two things that are very important to my family and so many people in our church community:

1. An economy where every Texan can afford to have their basic needs met.
2. Fully funded public schools where all children can thrive.

I’m not telling you who to vote for; I’m just telling you who I chose to vote for and why.

We are in a critical moment in both the United States and Texas, so I hope you vote. And if you are a follower of Jesus, I hope you see your vote as a way to prioritize the way of Jesus—sacrificial love of neighbor and justice for those who have been marginalized.
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Replying to @ZachWLambert
@ZachWLambert Yep, this checks out.

Oct 23, 2026 · 6:27 PM UTC

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Replying to @mattvanswol
@mattvanswol Yeah this is unconstitutional—check out the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.
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Replying to @mattvanswol
@mattvanswol @ZachWLambert Because he believes in freedom of religion, not all children are Christians. Try with your bigoted little mind to respect other people’s religions. Forcing Christianity on children isn’t the way.
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Replying to @mattvanswol
@mattvanswol @ZachWLambert Morality huh? A pervert who supports butchering children in the name of "trans"? Someone who says Jesus was non-binary? I think this "pastor" may need to go back to school and learn the real bible...
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Replying to @mattvanswol
@mattvanswol @ZachWLambert What's wrong with following the Constitution? True Christians don't force their beliefs on others.
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Replying to @mattvanswol
@mattvanswol @ZachWLambert Yes—imagine that, a Christian pastor who respects the separation of church and state.
So refreshing.
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Replying to @mattvanswol
@mattvanswol @ZachWLambert Imagine dying and standing before God and trying to explain why you stood against His Gospel being read to children while claiming to be a preacher of His Gospel.
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Replying to @mattvanswol
@mattvanswol @ZachWLambert This is an example of the antichrist. This delusional diluted idiot spreading false teachings.
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Replying to @mattvanswol
@mattvanswol @ZachWLambert Dont we have separation of church and state or did I just black out in history class
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Replying to @mattvanswol
@mattvanswol @ZachWLambert Because not all children are Christians, we have a freedom of religion in this country. Shoving Christianity down people’s throats isn’t how you win them over.
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Replying to @mattvanswol
@mattvanswol @ZachWLambert Yea, he’s a false prophet. Plenty of receipts.
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Replying to @mattvanswol
@mattvanswol @ZachWLambert Wait, you think the bible passages should be required reading in schools?
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Replying to @mattvanswol
@mattvanswol @ZachWLambert Yes, it’s called separation of church and state. Many Christians think it’s a bad idea.
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Replying to @mattvanswol
@mattvanswol @ZachWLambert Schools are for learning to read, write and arithmetic, not religion. Not everyone who attends school is a Christian. 🤦🏻‍♀️
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Replying to @mattvanswol
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Replying to @mattvanswol
@mattvanswol @ZachWLambert Hey “Pastor” Zach, maybe I missed it, but going through your posts I didn’t find any that decried this:
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Replying to @mattvanswol
@mattvanswol @ZachWLambert The guy is a fraud! People who go to his church need their hearts and heads renewed. Get out as fast as you can!
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Replying to @mattvanswol
@mattvanswol @ZachWLambert Yes, exactly! What about kids whose parents can't read, like Matt! How are they supposed to learn the Bible?
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Replying to @mattvanswol
@mattvanswol @ZachWLambert Very little evidence he has ever been right of center, so this Christian pastor is just a democrat voting for a democrat.
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Replying to @mattvanswol
@mattvanswol @ZachWLambert Thanks for sharing that. He is clearly not doing God’s work. How can he even claim he is?
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Replying to @mattvanswol
@mattvanswol @ZachWLambert He is antichrist, perverting scripture to suit the interests of men to stay bogged down by simple minded, carnal pleasures against the flesh and God.
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Replying to @mattvanswol
@mattvanswol @ZachWLambert The U.S. requires a separation between church and state, but if it's important to you, to live in a country with a state sanctioned religion, there are several, not all Christian, but many have theologies that better align with MAGA philosophy, than Christianity does.
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Replying to @mattvanswol
@mattvanswol @ZachWLambert he literally says reading the bible differently. there is only 1 way to read the bible
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Replying to @mattvanswol
@mattvanswol @ZachWLambert He's not telling people how to vote, just making sure they all know he's a pro LGBTQ+ pastor who's voting strictly Democrat partly lines, and advocating against all republicans.
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Replying to @mattvanswol
@mattvanswol @ZachWLambert forced scripture reading sounds very islamic fundamentalist
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Replying to @mattvanswol
@mattvanswol @ZachWLambert Thanks Matt for all you do; I knew I'd find you with the truth. Keep up the good work. It is noticed.
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Replying to @mattvanswol
@mattvanswol @ZachWLambert Exactly why I voted Democrat. I don't want my kids being preached to by the government. That's parents and churches function.
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Replying to @mattvanswol
@mattvanswol @ZachWLambert It's previously been declared unconstitutional to compel students to read from the bible while at public school. There's also many school districts where the bible is not allowed to be in the school library because the content is deemed inappropriate for children.
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Replying to @mattvanswol
@mattvanswol @ZachWLambert Who would support this Matt? This goes against the constitution. Are you not a 1A supporter? Sounds to me like you don’t respect our constitution
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Replying to @mattvanswol
@mattvanswol @ZachWLambert One of his core issues is wanting public schools fully funded but only if they are fully secular, or in reality, fully progressive. I hope he checks out Matthew 18:6, but my guess is his conscious is comfortable with ignoring many verses of this Bible kids shouldn’t be reading.
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Replying to @mattvanswol
@mattvanswol @ZachWLambert Buddy cant prioritize his faith as a "pastor" over flawed legal precedent.
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Replying to @mattvanswol
@mattvanswol @ZachWLambert @mattvanswol Stay in your own lane. You are just rage baiting for clicks. You aren't smart enough to discuss theology v. the Constitution.
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Replying to @mattvanswol
@mattvanswol @ZachWLambert Whimps like this guy are the reason our country is falling to the devil! Hes no real pastor. A fake wanna be Christian as well.
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Replying to @mattvanswol
@mattvanswol @ZachWLambert Pretty much tells us what we need to know about this "pastor".All American kids should have basic understanding of the MOST IMPORTANT book in the history of America & the World. If nothing else it is good literature...but it is SO MUCH more. Zach supporting Talarico is heretical
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Replying to @mattvanswol
@mattvanswol @ZachWLambert The Bible was the FIRST Textbook used in Public schools. They were printed using the Congressional Printing Press. History matters.
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Replying to @mattvanswol
@mattvanswol @ZachWLambert You know this will open up some doors for other religions.
Be careful what you ask for.
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