Texas State Rep. James Talarico (D-TX) called Attorney General Ken Paxton the most corrupt politician in America during a recent media appearance.
The comments follow Paxton's victory in the Republican Senate primary runoff held on May 26, 2026 [1]. The clash highlights a deepening ideological and legal divide in Texas as the state prepares for a high-stakes general election.
Speaking in a video interview on MS NOW with Lawrence O’Donnell, Talarico focused on the contrast between his own career and that of the Attorney General. "Ken Paxton has a criminal record; I have a legislative record," Talarico said.
Talarico characterized the situation as "the rot at the core of this broken system," he said. He criticized Paxton's history, specifically citing his past impeachment and criminal record as evidence of a pattern of corruption.
According to Talarico, Paxton has prioritized the interests of wealthy donors over the needs of Texas voters. He argued that the Attorney General's legal history makes him unfit for the higher office he now seeks.
Paxton's victory in the primary runoff [1] sets the stage for a general election battle. Paxton is expected to face Talarico in the November 2026 U.S. Senate race [2].
The confrontation comes as Paxton continues to navigate the fallout from previous legal challenges while maintaining strong support within his party. Talarico's public critique aims to frame the upcoming contest not just as a partisan battle, but as a referendum on political ethics, and the rule of law in the Lone Star State.
“Ken Paxton is the most corrupt politician in America.”
This exchange signals that the 2026 U.S. Senate race in Texas will likely center on the personal and legal history of Ken Paxton. By framing the contest as a matter of corruption versus legislative service, Talarico is attempting to mobilize voters around ethics and accountability rather than purely partisan policy differences.
