Former Cornyn Aide Joins James Talarico Senate Campaign

Jacob Smith, a former deputy legislative director for Republican U.S. Senator John Cornyn, has joined the Senate campaign of Democrat James Talarico as deputy policy director. Smith, who spent his career working for Republicans, crossed party lines following Cornyn's defeat in the Republican primary runoff, where he lost to Ken Paxton by nearly 28 points.

Smith criticized Republican nominee Ken Paxton as the "most corrupt, self-dealing politician in Texas" and urged other Republicans to hold him accountable at the ballot box. Talarico stated the hire reflects a commitment to bipartisanship and a focus on reducing costs and fighting corruption.

Ken Paxton, the Texas Attorney General, accused Talarico of "reinventing himself" and suggested Smith was motivated by money. Senator John Cornyn responded on social media, stating that only in "authoritarian countries" does someone else decide where a person works, though he maintained his intention to support the Republican ticket in the general election.

The race is viewed as a critical contest for Senate control. A recent Fox News poll shows Talarico leading Paxton 51%-48%. Paxton enters the general election facing scrutiny over past fraud indictments and a divorce filing by his wife, Angela Paxton.