Republican Endorsements for Talarico Face Scrutiny Over Past Democratic Support
James Talarico, the Democrat challenging Republican Ken Paxton for a U.S. Senate seat in Texas, has featured self-described Republicans in campaign endorsements as the midterm election approaches. One video includes five former Republican officials criticizing Paxton and praising Talarico’s character and willingness to listen across party lines. Former Texas state Sen. Kel Seliger, described as a lifelong Republican, has also endorsed Talarico, joining other Republicans who oppose Paxton’s candidacy.
Voting and campaign finance records cited in the coverage show that some of the featured endorsers have Democratic ties. Former Republican state Rep. Alan Steelman took part in Democratic primaries in 2024 and 2026, while former state Rep. Todd Smith voted in Democratic elections in two of the past four elections. Former state Rep. Jason Villalba, who appeared in a separate Talarico video, backed Democrat Colin Allred’s 2024 Senate campaign. Former Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley, also in the latest ad, endorsed Allred and Kamala Harris that year.
Villalba’s endorsement video contrasts concerns about bills, gas prices, tariffs and wars with what he described as culture-war arguments. Talarico’s campaign has also promoted support from other Texans identifying as Republicans, though a campaign spokesperson previously said three women featured in an earlier effort had no formal connection to the campaign. Their reported political histories included Democratic donations or primary participation. The endorsements give Talarico a way to appeal beyond his party’s base, while the records raise questions about how representative those supporters are of Republican voters.
Republicans Join Talarico in Rejecting Paxton
A growing group of Texas Republicans is backing Democrat James Talarico over Republican Senate nominee Ken Paxton, with former officials pointing to character and a desire for representation that can hear different viewpoints. Former Texas state Sen. Kel Seliger, described as a lifelong Republican, is among the endorsers.
Talarico’s videos feature former Republican officials criticizing Paxton and praising Talarico. Jason Villalba’s endorsement also puts everyday economic concerns at the center, citing grocery and gas prices and opposition to tariffs and wars. The endorsements present a case that voters should judge candidates by their conduct and priorities, not simply their party label.
Some supporters have previously backed Democrats or participated in Democratic primaries. That history does not erase their stated opposition to Paxton now; it helps explain why their support is being scrutinized. The records show that several prominent endorsers have crossed party lines before, while Talarico’s campaign is using their voices to make the case that opposition to Paxton reaches beyond Democrats.
Talarico’s Republican Endorsements Come With Democratic History
James Talarico’s campaign is presenting Republican support as evidence of a broad coalition against Ken Paxton. But records show that some of the former Republican officials featured in the effort have previously participated in Democratic primaries or supported Democratic candidates, a history that complicates the campaign’s portrayal of their endorsements.
Former state Rep. Alan Steelman voted in Democratic primaries in 2024 and 2026, and former state Rep. Todd Smith voted in Democratic elections in two of the past four elections. Jason Villalba, who appeared in a separate Talarico video, backed Democrat Colin Allred in 2024. Former Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley endorsed both Allred and Kamala Harris that year.
The ads criticize Paxton and stress concerns such as character, household costs and political division. Those are the endorsers’ arguments, while their prior political activity is also relevant context for voters assessing how much their support says about Republican sentiment. Talarico’s campaign has said three women featured in an earlier effort had no official ties to it; their histories included Democratic donations or primary participation.
