Democratic state Sen. James Talarico opens his Texas U.S. Senate campaign with a Houston rally as he prepares to face Republican Ken Paxton, who won a GOP primary runoff against incumbent Sen. John Cornyn. Multiple reports describe the race as contentious from the start.
In his first network TV interview after Paxton’s runoff victory, Talarico attacks Paxton personally and focuses on allegations of corruption. He calls Paxton “the most corrupt politician in America” and criticizes him for allegedly offering “Epstein-style sweetheart deals to pedophiles,” language he repeats in the interview. The coverage also notes Talarico’s adoption of sharp rhetoric, including responses to Paxton’s campaigning style.
The New York Times reports that the campaign rally set a confrontational tone, highlighting personal attacks and a packed turnout. CBS News places the interview in context of Talarico seeking the Senate seat with Paxton as the Republican nominee, after Paxton’s victory and Talarico’s transition into the general-election phase.
