James Talarico Gains Endorsement From Paxton Trial Lawyer

In Houston, where statewide races often drive fundraising and turnout from Downtown to the suburbs, the Texas Senate contest is already drawing early attention. James Talarico, a Democratic state representative from Austin, has received an endorsement from one of the attorneys who defended Attorney General Ken Paxton during his 2023 impeachment trial.

The endorsement came from Paxton trial lawyer Tony Buzbee, the Houston attorney and political donor known locally for his high-profile legal work and involvement in Texas politics. According to the reported endorsement, Buzbee is backing Talarico in the developing race for the U.S. Senate seat held by Republican Sen. John Cornyn. Talarico announced his campaign recently, joining a field that could become one of the state's most closely watched contests ahead of 2026.

Tony Buzbee backs James Talarico in Senate race

Buzbee's support stands out because of his role in Paxton's impeachment trial before the Texas Senate. Paxton was acquitted in September 2023 after the Senate trial ended with votes short of the two-thirds threshold needed for conviction. Buzbee served on the legal team that defended the attorney general throughout that case.

Talarico, who represents a Central Texas district in the state House, has built a statewide profile among Democrats through floor speeches, media appearances and fundraising. His early Senate bid has drawn attention because he enters the race with name recognition beyond his district and a large social media following. The endorsement from a prominent Houston lawyer adds another notable political crossover to the opening phase of his campaign.

Early Senate positioning draws statewide interest

The Texas Senate race remains in its early stages, and candidate fields are still forming. Cornyn has represented Texas in the U.S. Senate since 2002 and is expected to seek reelection, though reporting on the race has pointed to broader movement among both parties as 2026 approaches.

For Houston, endorsements from political figures such as Buzbee can matter because the region remains one of the state's largest centers for campaign money, organizing and media attention. Local donors, attorneys and consultants often play visible roles in statewide campaigns long before primary ballots are set. Buzbee's support for Talarico places a Houston name inside a race that is still taking shape and may draw more attention to Democratic organizing in the months ahead.

More details on the 2026 contest are likely to emerge as candidates expand fundraising, secure endorsements and begin statewide travel. Filing deadlines and primary dates are still ahead, leaving time for the field to shift as campaigns develop.

This article is a summary of reporting by Greenwich Time. Read the full story here.