State Representative James Talarico has launched his first negative television advertisement in the U.S. Senate race, a 30-second spot that targets Attorney General Ken Paxton over corruption allegations.
Talarico has been vocal in his criticism of Paxton throughout his campaign, particularly regarding Paxton’s impeachment by the Texas House in 2023 and the significant growth of his net worth while in office. However, this advertisement marks the first instance where Talarico has employed a paid ad to publicly challenge his opponent, whether during the primary or the general election.
Three years ago, the Republican-led Texas House impeached Paxton on charges of abusing his office, but the Texas Senate later acquitted him of all accusations.
Titled “Most Corrupt,” the advertisement features footage of Talarico denouncing Paxton during campaign events. It will debut on Saturday during the Texas Christian University football game against the University of North Carolina as part of an existing multi-million dollar statewide advertising campaign, according to Talarico’s team.
<p“In Texas, Ken Paxton stands as the most corrupt politician,” Talarico asserts in the ad, pointing to Paxton's extensive real estate holdings and his impeachment. “We simply cannot risk Ken Paxton’s corruption.”
Prior to this week’s release, Talarico had invested nearly $29 million in advertising, primarily focusing on positive messages that introduce voters to his personal story, including his background as a teacher and reflections on the rising cost of living.
Although Talarico has previously criticized Paxton in an online advertisement, this new spot represents his first significant negative television ad.
In contrast, Paxton has allocated minimal resources to advertising in the general election thus far. Recently, several Republican-affiliated groups have aired television ads attacking Talarico for his vote on legislation banning the sale of Texas land to entities linked to China.
Nick Maddux, a senior advisor to Paxton, stated that Texas voters do not support Talarico’s positions on various issues.
<p“James Talarico’s every action is a desperate effort to obscure his far-left record,” Maddux commented. “He believes that by releasing ads filled with discredited insider attacks, he can divert attention from his own poor voting record, which includes supporting higher taxes that burden working families, backing the inclusion of boys in girls’ sports, and promoting a socialist agenda that undermines law enforcement and capitalism.”
In the 2024 election cycle, Democratic Senate candidate Colin Allred attacked Senator Ted Cruz early, releasing an ad in February even before the primary election. In contrast, Democrat Beto O’Rourke only began airing negative ads in mid-October during his 2018 campaign.
Talarico emerged victorious over Representative Jasmine Crockett in the March primary but had previously focused solely on positive and biographical television advertisements.
