Texas Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico previously described capitalism as an “oppressive system” and said it needed to be dismantled, while also questioning the future of Texas’ oil and gas industry.

The remarks came during a 2020 virtual forum with Sierra Club activists, when Talarico was serving in the Texas Legislature. Responding to a question about climate change and communities of color, he linked capitalism with climate change and white supremacy.

“I think only understanding the ways that all three of those oppressive systems work together are we going to be able to begin the process of dismantling them,” Talarico said.

During the same forum, Talarico compared Texas’ position as a leader in oil and gas to being the leader in cassette tapes during the 1980s.

“That industry is not gonna last,” he said, arguing that Texas needed to prepare for a transition toward sustainable energy.

The comments have resurfaced as Talarico campaigns for the U.S. Senate against Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton. His current campaign message is significantly more supportive of Texas’ energy industry.

Talarico’s spokesman has said the Democrat is now a “proud capitalist” and supports the oil and gas industry as part of an “all of the above” energy strategy. His campaign has also acknowledged that some of his past statements “missed the mark.”

The resurfaced remarks give Republicans an opportunity to highlight a contrast between Talarico’s previous statements and his current campaign platform as voters prepare to decide who will represent Texas in the Senate.