On December 25 2021, Texas state representative James Talarico posted a photo of a Dr. Anthony Fauci action figure, thanking health‑care workers and urging people to get vaccinated and boosted.
The image resurfaced on X earlier this week, prompting criticism from Republican lawmakers and conservative commentators who questioned whether Talarico still kept the toy.
Texas Rep. Brandon Gill directly asked if Talarico still played with the Fauci figure, while other Republicans framed the incident as evidence of the candidate’s perceived effeminacy in the Senate race.
Attorney General Ken Paxton described Talarico as “too low‑T for Texas,” and a conservative group released an AI‑generated ad portraying the Democratic hopeful prancing in a dress.
Commentators mocked the doll’s timing, noting that Dr. Fauci had recently invoked his Fifth Amendment right repeatedly during a congressional hearing.
Senator Ted Cruz referenced Talarico’s post, calling Fauci a “superhero” and highlighting the multiple Fifth Amendment pleas.
The National Rifle Association warned its followers not to trust a grown man who plays with dolls.
The action figure, part of a “real life action figures” series, includes a removable mask and retails for roughly $25.
The Talarico campaign did not respond to requests for comment.
