Accusations and Turmoil in the Texas Senate Race
Ken Paxton’s Allegations Against James Talarico
Ken Paxton has accused his rival, James Talarico, of misconduct during his tenure as a state representative in Texas. Paxton alleged that Talarico enriched himself and his employer through corrupt practices. He stated, “James Talarico abused his office to enrich himself and his employer.” Paxton demanded explanations from Talarico on how he used taxpayer dollars for personal gain, benefiting a firm linked to him.
These allegations surfaced following a report by Fox News about Talarico’s past consulting work. This consulting engagement was with MAYA Consulting, now known as VIDA Collaborative. During Talarico’s time on the Texas House Public Education Committee, which supervises the Texas Education Agency (TEA), MAYA secured multiple contracts from the agency. A spokesperson for the Republican National Committee labeled this a “textbook pay-to-play scheme.”
Paxton’s campaign claimed these contracts were tied to priorities Talarico was advocating for in the Texas House. Campaign spokeswoman Madison Cercy accused Talarico of exploiting his position to enrich himself, viewing Texans as a resource for his financial gain.
Talarico’s Defense
Talarico’s campaign refuted Paxton’s accusations, describing them as false. Fox News reported that Talarico acted in compliance with state legislature regulations and did not influence the awarding of contracts to MAYA. Talarico’s campaign contended that he held no vote or authority over these contracts; no evidence was provided to suggest misuse of tax dollars for personal benefit.
Financial disclosures reveal Talarico earned $83,333.40 from MAYA in 2025. During this period, TEA awarded MAYA contracts amounting to $3.5 million in 2021 and $1.6 million in 2022.
VIDA CEO Kassi Longoria stated Talarico was not involved in contract proceedings or compensation from state- or federally-funded contracts. Precautions were implemented to avoid conflicts of interest between his consulting role and public duties. Talarico’s financial relationships were disclosed as required by public filings.
The campaign further added that Talarico’s consulting work was fully disclosed following Texas House rules. His contract with MAYA included provisions prohibiting him from representing the firm before legislative or educational bodies.
Ongoing Allegations Against Ken Paxton
The Talarico campaign’s spokesperson claimed Paxton fabricated lies to shift attention from his own history of corruption allegations. Paxton, once impeached by fellow Republicans over bribery, faced FBI reports from his staff and indictment for investment fraud.
In 2015, Paxton was indicted on charges related to securities fraud, with the case dropped in 2024 after he paid restitution of nearly $300,000. In 2020, concerns raised by his staff led to an FBI investigation. In 2023, the Texas House sanctioned articles of impeachment against Paxton, covering obstruction of justice and bribery, although he was later acquitted by the Senate.
The Talarico campaign leveraged this history in an ad, branding Paxton “the most corrupt politician in Texas.”
Current Status of the Race
With six weeks remaining until the midterms, Talarico holds a lead over Paxton in major polls. Across various surveys, Talarico varies from holding a steady lead to confronting a close contest. The New York Times reported Paxton hasn’t led a poll since a narrow August 9-10 advantage from Emerson College.
Polls indicate Talarico ahead in three districts, carried by President Trump in 2024 with significant margins. On Fox News, Paxton questioned polling accuracy, suggesting internal polling depicted a closer race.
Contact Newsweek editors Ben Kelly and Cristina Diciu on this story for further insights.