Madison Cercy

Ken Paxton, Texas attorney general, has repeatedly survived political challenges despite scandals, including accusations of securities fraud and theft. James Talarico, a Democratic primary winner, now faces Paxton in a closely watched U.S. Senate race, attempting to shift public perception of Paxton's record.

Ken Paxton, Texas attorney general, has repeatedly survived political challenges despite scandals, including securities fraud charges and accusations of theft. James Talarico, a Democratic primary winner, now faces Paxton in a closely watched U.S. Senate race, attempting to leverage past controversies against him.

Ken Paxton, Texas attorney general, has repeatedly survived political challenges despite scandals, including charges of securities fraud, and now faces James Talarico in a U.S. Senate race. Previous opponents like Justin Nelson and George P. Bush lost to Paxton, who frames himself as a victim of political persecution. Talarico's campaign aims to highlight a broader culture of corruption, while Paxton's team dismisses such claims as distractions.

Senate hopeful James Talarico faces backlash for past comments praising Texas drag queens as 'some of the best in the nation,' which resurfaced amid a legislative debate over a bill restricting 'sexually oriented performances' near minors. Talarico voted 'present' on the bill after LGBTQ advocacy groups urged caution, and opponents, including Republican Senate nominee Ken Paxton and the RNC, criticized his remarks as out of step with Texas values.