In the early hours of March 4, state Rep. James Talarico emerged as the winner of the Texas Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate against the Democratic favorite, Rep. Jasmine Crockett.

In the midterm elections in November, Talarico will face either U.S. Sen. John Cornyn or Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, depending on who wins the Republican runoff on May 26.

As a conservative in Texas, I'm a little nervous about Talarico's win. But I'm also hopeful. It gives Republicans a chance to really focus on persuasive ideas and solid policy and win.

James Talarico is a wolf in sheep's clothing

Talarico's win is eyebrow-raising for a couple of reasons. If Crockett had won, Cornyn or Paxton would be facing her in the November election. She is overtly progressive and raucous, and has taken to saying controversial things. Texans would have dismissed her, and the Republican nominee would have won handily. Easy-peasy.

Talarico is a different politician who is more moderate in a state that might be open to that. He's a former teacher and seminarian whose views sound reasonable, especially for a Democrat. The Democratic Party has been swinging too far left lately. Talarico embodies the opposite approach. The Democratic Senate nominee will be harder to beat.

But his views are still left of center and far from conservative. Cornyn or Paxton will need to hone in on Talarico's positions that the majority of Texans do not support.

For example, Talarico is pro-abortion and even suggests that the Bible sanctions it.

The most disturbing thing about Talarico is how he uses his religious beliefs to bolster faulty ideas about God, culture and policy in an overt effort to take back Christianity from conservatives. This is not a new idea. Theologian and political activist Jim Wallis tapped into this in his 2005 book, "God's Politics: Why the Right Gets It Wrong and the Left Doesn't Get It."

While on “The Joe Rogan Experience” podcast July 18, the Texan Democrat described Mary and suggested that the Immaculate Conception provides evidence that God is pro-abortion.

"Creation has to be done with consent," Talarico said, in the context of discussing abortion.

He has also said that God is "nonbinary," a popular view among liberal Christians and one that opens the gateway for transgender policies on behalf of Texans, using his Christian faith as the foundation of such discussions.

On Jan. 30, during the "Politics War Room" podcast with journalist Al Hunt and Democratic strategist James Carville, Talarico made waves when he said, "I have met so many Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, Jews, Muslims, atheists, agnostics who are more Christ-like than some of the Christians I serve with in the Texas Legislature. It is about how you treat other people." 

I think that what Talarico means is that to him, true Christianity looks more like socialism than conservatism.

In a speech that seems to me like advocating for open borders, Talarico said, "Our southern border should be like our front porch. There should be a giant welcome mat out front and a lock on the doors."

Texans − and Americans − have soundly rejected open borders. Pushing for open borders is bad enough; doing it under the guise of Christianity is even worse in my book. But the very thing I don't like about Talarico will make him an appealing and strong foe against a Republican.

The right Republican must beat Talarico

Now that Republicans know who the Democratic candidate is for U.S. Senate, it's important they choose the right conservative to beat Talarico. I have to say, this is a difficult decision, and the approximately two million Republicans who turned out to vote were clearly torn as well.

I think Paxton is an awful choice to be U.S. senator. The Texas attorney general courts controversy everywhere he goes and basks in the limelight via litigiousness. But he is popular with MAGA Texans because he's seen as a fighter.

Paxton has highlighted just how in demand he is based on how little he spent on his campaign compared with Sen. Cornyn, who together with his allies spent about $70 million on ads. Paxton and his allies spent less than $5 million. This Texas primary is already the most expensive in U.S. history.

If so, it's going to be an ugly, messy fight. “We proved something they’ll never understand in Washington,” Paxton said. “Texas is not for sale.”

I hate to say it, but he could be a more powerful opponent against Talarico in November than Cornyn because of this attitude.

That said, Cornyn – who eked out slightly more votes than Paxton – is popular among more traditional conservatives, and the incumbent will have Senate Republicans behind him. The fact that he's already been representing Texas in Washington for several terms without constantly embroiling himself in drama is a bonus, and he already knows the ropes.

Texans must choose a candidate who can be a powerful double-edged sword: a Republican who can represent them well in Washington and beat Talarico. The race will be watched across America. By the time the midterm elections come, it'll be a great opportunity to showcase Texas values on the national scene. But in the meantime, it's gonna be a dogfight to the finish.

One thing's for sure: Talarico shouldn't go to Washington, and I hope Texans don't want him there.

Nicole Russell is an opinion columnist with USA TODAY. She lives in Texas with her four kids. Sign up for her newsletter, The Right Track, and get it delivered to your inbox.

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