Texas Senate Race Heats Up as Talarico and Paxton Clash Over Past Comments and Corruption

Texas Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico acknowledged Wednesday that some of his past statements on cultural issues “missed the mark,” but accused his Republican opponent, Attorney General Ken Paxton, of selectively using those remarks to divert attention from his own history of corruption. Talarico made the comments in interviews with CBS News and NBC News following Paxton’s decisive victory over incumbent Senator John Cornyn in the GOP primary runoff.

Paxton, who secured the Republican nomination with strong backing including from former President Donald Trump, has mocked Talarico with nicknames such as “Tofu Talarico” and “Six gender Jimmy,” targeting his positions on gender-affirming care, immigration, energy, and religion. Trump criticized Talarico on social media, labeling him “the worst TEXAS candidate I have ever seen” and highlighting his stances on open borders, crime, gender identity, and diet.

Talarico, a state representative and progressive Christian, said Paxton’s attacks are a distraction from the attorney general’s legal troubles. “The most corrupt politician in America just became the Republican nominee for the United States Senate,” Talarico told NBC News, referencing Paxton’s 2023 impeachment by the Texas House on charges of using his office for personal gain. Although Paxton was acquitted by the state Senate, the allegations remain central to the campaign.

The Democratic nominee emphasized his campaign’s momentum, noting large crowds and support extending beyond traditional Democratic voters. “We’ve had tens of thousands of Texans showing up to rally with us,” he said. “I think we’re reaching people who don’t normally vote for Democratic candidates. We’re also reaching a lot of first-time voters, a number of young people.”

Talarico outlined his policy proposals aimed at reducing living costs in Texas, including ending tariffs, suspending federal gas and diesel taxes, and capping prescription drug prices. He described the political and economic system as “rigged” by billionaire donors and their “puppet politicians — like Ken Paxton.”

Addressing criticism of his past remarks, Talarico said he was “intentionally provocative” when he described God as nonbinary, explaining that “God can’t be defined by human categories.” He also acknowledged the existence of two sexes but advocated for dignity and respect for people with chromosomal variations. On rumors about his diet, he clarified he is not vegan, joking, “I’ve been eating barbecue since before Ken Paxton’s first indictment.”

The general election battle is expected to be one of the most expensive Senate races nationally and could influence control of the U.S. Senate. Republicans currently hold 53 seats, and Democrats need a net gain of four to reclaim the majority. The Cook Political Report recently shifted Texas from “Likely Republican” to “Lean Republican,” reflecting the perceived impact of Paxton’s nomination.

Talarico appealed to Cornyn supporters, thanking the longtime senator for his service and inviting those who believe in public service to join his campaign. “We both still believe that these positions of public trust should be about serving our neighbors, not serving ourselves,” he said.

As the campaign intensifies, Talarico faces ongoing attacks from Paxton and other Republicans, including Senator Ted Cruz, who called him “absolutely extreme” despite his “nice ‘aw, shucks’ demeanor.” Talarico responded by focusing on combating corruption and addressing Texans’ economic struggles, stating, “We can’t afford the basics, and Ken Paxton clearly has no solutions to offer us.”

The race marks a significant moment in Texas politics, with Democrats aiming to win a Senate seat in the state for the first time since 1988.