With Donald Trump backing Texas attorney general Ken Paxton, the Republican nominee for Senate, Talarico is being painted as a radical, vegan and feminised threat to Texan values. However, these accusations are largely unfounded, with Paxton resorting to derogatory nicknames such as 'Tofu Talarico' and 'Low-T Talarico'.

While Paxton’s campaign took the low road in their attacks, it is reminiscent of broader male-dominated narratives that focus on hormone levels and dietary choices. These ideas have seeped into the highest echelons of politics, with Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. promoting meat-heavy diets under the guise of improving health.

Despite these efforts to discredit Talarico, Democrats are confident in his prospects, citing strong polling numbers and ample cash. Meanwhile, Paxton’s campaign is left with little substance beyond name-calling, as they struggle to deflect from their own corruption allegations.

The Republican attacks on Talarico represent a worrying trend of using shallow insults and outdated notions of masculinity to win elections. It remains to be seen whether these tactics will resonate with voters in the upcoming race for Senate.