Politics · October 22, 2026
Two Texas Republicans say they voted for Democrat James Talarico
Part of: Texas Senate: Paxton vs. Talarico →Prominent figures with ties to the Republican party, including a former state party leader and a major financial donor, have publicly announced their support for Democrat James Talarico in the Texas U.S. Senate race against incumbent Republican Ken Paxton. Supporters cited Talarico's character and his balanced approach to state and national issues as primary reasons for their cross-party endorsement.
Read the original coverage
Two Texas Republicans say they voted for Democrat James Talarico
Read at Washington Post ↗- NewsweekMBFC: Right-Center
Major Ken Paxton donor endorses James Talarico in Texas
Read at Newsweek ↗ James Talarico’s Texas House Record: Partisan Fights, Bipartisan Laws
Read at The New York Times ↗
Reported across the spectrum
- James Talarico is the Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Texas.
- Ken Paxton is the Republican candidate in the same race.
- Individuals traditionally aligned with the Republican party are backing the Democratic candidate.
Reported by only some outlets
- Attorney Thomas J. Henry previously donated over $600,000 to a super PAC supporting Ken Paxton.
- The former head of the Texas GOP and a member of the Bush family cited 'character' as a reason for their vote.
- Thomas J. Henry described Talarico's approach as 'balanced' and 'honest' after meeting with him.
Left-leaning outlets tend to emphasize…
highlight the defection of establishment Republican figures based on moral character and fitness for office
Right-leaning outlets tend to emphasize…
emphasize the endorsement of a high-profile financial donor and the candidate's perceived pragmatic appeal on economic and security issues
Where coverage diverges
Coverage diverges along left/right lines — see Framing tab for specifics.
About these outlets
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