Ken Paxton and James Talarico are competing in a tight Senate race in Texas. Recent reports have offered Talarico a fresh angle to criticize Paxton.
Bayliss Wagner, who previously covered Texas politics from Austin, highlights a key question for Democrats. Do voters in 2026 care about a politician’s personal affairs? Paxton, the Republican nominee, faced intense criticism from his primary rival. TV ads labeled him a ‘wife cheater’ due to his wife’s decision to seek divorce on biblical grounds.
James Talarico, the Democratic nominee, responded on Monday to reports in The Daily Mail. The publication revealed Paxton’s travel activities over the weekend with another woman to Reykjavik, Iceland. Although Paxton’s divorce is pending, the tabloid described it as a ‘secret romantic getaway.’
Talarico shared the article on social media, criticizing Paxton’s lifestyle. He highlighted the alleged discrepancy between Paxton’s public service role and his personal wealth. Raxton was impeached in 2023 for corruption charges, later acquitted. Talarico wrote on X that Paxton was ‘taking bribes from donors’ and living lavishly, contrasting sharply with many Texans struggling to afford essentials. Talarico emphasized Paxton’s self-serving actions without addressing his personal life directly.
Paxton did not comment on the reports or confirm any romantic involvement. His divorce proceedings with Angela Paxton, a Texas state senator, faced delays. Recent polling by The New York Times and Siena showed the candidates evenly matched, with each receiving support from 47 percent of Texas voters.