Overview
- The Talarico campaign announced on Monday that Jacob Smith, a five-year aide to Sen. John Cornyn, joined as deputy political director and publicly called Ken Paxton “the most corrupt, self-dealing politician in Texas.”
- Republican operatives called the switch unusual and “unheard of” for a Senate-level staffer, and Cornyn described Smith’s move as a personal decision while saying he will support the Republican ticket.
- Recent polls show the Texas Senate race is very close with Talarico often leading by narrow margins and picking up support from independents and some Republicans.
- Talarico’s financial advantage is substantial, with more than $70 million raised so far, while Paxton continues to carry legal and personal baggage including a fraud indictment, an impeachment and a widely reported extramarital affair.
- Campaign strategists say Smith will focus on recruiting crossover voters and persuading moderates, a shift that could affect turnout patterns, outside spending and the national balance of the Senate race.