Democratic Texas Senate candidate James Talarico announced Thursday that 21 current and former Republican officials and party figures are endorsing his campaign against Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton. Both campaigns have moved quickly to define the race, with Talarico emphasizing allegations of corruption against Paxton and Republicans portraying the Democrat as out of step with Texas voters. The endorsements mark the launch of “Republicans for Talarico,” a campaign coalition comprising current and former Republican officeholders, judges, party delegates and political advisers who have crossed party lines to back the Democrat.
The campaign described the 21 people named in Thursday’s announcement, published in Texas Metro News, as the group’s “founding members." Some of the Republicans said their support was motivated largely by Paxton’s conduct, rather than not supporting the Republican Party, while also praising Talarico’s character and willingness to work across party lines. Paxton was impeached by the Republican-controlled Texas House in 2023 over allegations that he abused his office to assist political donor and real estate developer Nate Paul. The Texas Senate later acquitted him of all 16 articles considered at trial, and Paxton has repeatedly denied wrongdoing.
A separate federal investigation ended without charges in 2024. I will support plenty of Republicans this November, but I cannot vote for Ken Paxton,” said Bryan Mayor Pro Tem James Edge. As a lifelong conservative Republican, I’m proud to support him this November.” Newsweek has contacted Paxton's campaign, via email, for comment.
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