Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton attacked state Rep. James Talarico with a perplexing insult about testosterone, a move experts say reflects a broader trend in right-wing politics to justify aggression and dominance through biological determinism.
Paxton's Primary Runoff Speech
During his primary runoff victory speech on Tuesday night, Paxton, a scandal-ridden ally of President Donald Trump, hurled a series of offensive monikers at Talarico, including 'James Tala-freako,' 'Six-gender Jimmy,' 'Tofu Talarico,' and notably 'Low-T Talarico.' The remarks echo Trump's own style of personal attacks.
Background on Talarico
Right-wing attacks on Talarico have intensified since he defeated Rep. Jasmine Crockett in the Texas Democratic U.S. Senate primary in March. Critics have targeted his support for transgender communities, his past comments on animal welfare and veganism—though he is not vegan—and his previous statements that 'God is both masculine and feminine' and that there are more than two biological sexes. Talarico later clarified he was referring to 'a very small percentage of people with chromosomal abnormalities' who deserve dignity and respect.
On Wednesday, Stephen Miller, White House deputy chief of staff, shared a photo of Talarico on X, calling him Texas's 'first transgender senate candidate.'
The 'Low-T' Insult and Its Implications
Paxton's 'Low-T' comment highlights a growing conservative fixation on testosterone levels as a measure of masculinity. Martin Naunov, assistant professor of political science at Northwestern University, called the dig 'weird, cringey, and ironic,' noting that Paxton's own record of adultery and corruption allegations undermines any claim to high testosterone as a marker of virtue.
'If testosterone were the measure of manhood these men insist it is, then someone with Paxton's record might want to be careful where he points,' Naunov said. Paxton has faced numerous scandals, including impeachment by the Texas House in 2023 over bribery and abuse of public trust, though he was later acquitted by the Senate. His wife Angela filed for divorce last year, citing adultery.
Testosterone Fixation Goes Mainstream
The focus on testosterone has become more mainstream. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has frequently voiced concerns about low testosterone and declining sperm count, linking them to fertility rates. In January, he boasted about Trump's testosterone levels, claiming Dr. Mehmet Oz said Trump had the highest levels for anyone over 70.
Naunov noted that declining testosterone levels over recent decades have been seized as a symbol of weakening masculinity. 'RFK Jr. marveling at the president's hormone levels, a federal push to expand testosterone access, prescriptions climbing into the millions, JD Vance tying low testosterone to liberal politics—what used to be fringe is now mainstream,' he said.
Strategic Use of 'Low-T'
Experts say Paxton's use of 'Low-T' is strategic. Kari J. Winter, professor of American studies at the University at Buffalo, explained that accusing a man of being 'low-T' implies that masculinity is rooted in biology and that high testosterone justifies all behavior. 'High-T is a variant on the toxic permission slip: Boys will be boys,' she said.
Winter added that MAGA masculinity is about aggression and dominance. 'Paxton follows the Trump playbook of mockery and dehumanization. In their rhetoric, meat-eaters are proud; vegans are disqualified. Tofu? Terrible. Thou shalt not commit adultery? Are you kidding me?'
She contrasted Paxton with Talarico, saying the Democrat embodies genuine virtues of courage and compassion. 'His potency has nothing to do with testosterone; it has everything to do with character and ethics.'
Manufactured Masculinity
Naunov argued that Paxton's insult aims to convey that Talarico is not a real man and therefore unfit to lead. 'The point is to evoke a gut-level association between masculinity and power. But there's no actual gender nonconformity to point at—Talarico isn't less masculine-looking than Paxton. So they manufacture the association.'
He noted that Paxton is amplifying 'manosphere' language, signaling to certain men that he will fight for their place in America. The insult is also a projection: 'The men most fixated on policing other men's masculinity are usually working hardest to shore up their own.'
Testosterone and Status
Naunov emphasized that treating testosterone as a measure of worth is misguided. 'Scientific evidence is mixed. Testosterone's relationship to mood and strength is complicated, and injections can worsen fertility.' He added that while voters prefer masculine physicality, they also reward warmth and empathy over dominance.
Ultimately, the motivation behind 'Low-T' insults is about status and widening the gap between men and women, particularly for white, straight men. 'Insults like 'Low-T' or 'beta' are status moves—they keep other men in line to maintain the line between genders.'
