Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Democratic state Rep. James Talarico wasted no time trading personal attacks Wednesday after Paxton secured the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in Tuesday’s primary runoff.
The general election contest, which will play out across Texas through November 3, is already shaping up as one of the most combative and closely watched races in the country. Paxton defeated incumbent Sen. John Cornyn in the GOP runoff with about 64% of the vote. Talarico won the Democratic primary in March.
In his victory speech Tuesday night, Paxton immediately labeled Talarico “the most extreme radical the Democrats have ever nominated.” He and his allies have used nicknames such as “Tofu Talarico,” “Low-T Talarico,” and “Tala-freak-o,” while highlighting Talarico’s past comments on issues including gender and border policy.
NEW AD: James Talarico is a threat to everything we hold dear.
— Attorney General Ken Paxton (@KenPaxtonTX) May 27, 2026
This is Texas, and we will fight to protect it. pic.twitter.com/7bI9jti6Gz
Ken Paxton just gave an Epstein-style deal to a pedophile.
— James Talarico (@jamestalarico) May 27, 2026
Paxton released Adam Hoffman — an admitted child rapist — back on our streets after Paxton’s rich lawyer friend got involved.
The Epstein Class has no place in Texas. Ken Paxton has no place in the US Senate. pic.twitter.com/rJddmZW1P6
Talarico fired back quickly, calling Paxton “the most corrupt politician in America” and accusing him of prioritizing personal interests over public service. He pointed to Paxton’s 2023 impeachment by House Republicans on bribery-related charges (from which he was acquitted by the Senate) and other ongoing legal and ethics issues.
The race pits two well-known statewide figures against each other in a state that has not elected a Democrat to the U.S. Senate since 1994. Paxton, a longtime conservative champion on issues like border security and election integrity, enters as the strong favorite in most forecasts. Talarico, a former teacher from the Austin area, hopes to capitalize on voter fatigue with scandals and position the contest as a referendum on integrity and public service.
With 159 days until the November 3 general election, both campaigns are expected to pour significant resources into advertising and voter outreach across the state’s major media markets.
