Pastor Robert Jeffress of First Baptist Church Dallas took the stage at the Republican midterm convention in Dallas on Thursday afternoon to criticize Democratic U.S. Senate nominee James Talarico and bolster support for Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.

Jeffress, a longtime conservative voice in Texas politics, highlighted the contrast between traditional Christian teachings and Talarico's positions. He noted that Talarico believes all religions are equally valid and are simply different truths and different paths up the same mountain of truth. But Jesus Christ disagrees with James Talarico, Jeffress emphasized.

The beliefs of James Talarico have drawn scrutiny throughout the Senate race. Talarico, a state representative and Presbyterian seminarian, has positioned himself as a faith-based Democrat while advocating views on gender, Scripture, and pluralism that clash with evangelical perspectives.

Paxton, the Republican nominee facing Talarico in November, has made similar attacks on the campaign trail. The attorney general has accused Talarico of twisting biblical teachings to support progressive policies on issues like transgender participation in sports and abortion.

The convention in Dallas serves as a key moment for Texas Republicans to rally behind Paxton ahead of the general election. Jeffress has previously stated that evangelicals appear unified against Talarico despite differences over the Republican primary.

Talarico's campaign has countered by emphasizing affordability and attacking Paxton's record. The race remains a focal point for national Republicans seeking to maintain the Senate seat.

Jeffress's appearance fits the convention's focus on contrasting Republican and Democratic visions on faith and values. The pastor has a history of engaging in political commentary while leading one of the nation's largest Southern Baptist congregations.