HUNT VALLEY, Md. (TNND) — An attorney who defended Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton against a slew of high-profile charges is endorsing the Republican’s U.S. Senate opponent.
Dan Cogdell, a lawyer in Paxton’s impeachment and securities fraud cases, announced his support for state Representative James Talarico in a Monday podcast episode with the Democratic lawmaker. Cogdell named Talarico’s message of “unity” as the main reason for his endorsement.
“We need unity. We don’t need any more division. And that’s why I’m supporting you,” the lawyer said.
Talarico, who campaigned with a positive tone before Paxton’s May primary win, has since spoken more combatively to match his opponent’s style. The attorney general depicts Talarico as a threat and frequently flings insults.
“Ken Paxton has a criminal record. I have a legislative record,” Talarico told Cogdell. “I’ve served for four terms in the Texas House of Representatives, where I’ve brought Democrats and Republicans together to solve problems. I mean, that’s the only reason why I ran for office, was to solve problems.”
The National News Desk requested comment from Paxton but hasn’t received a response.
He has claimed for years that his criminal cases were politically motivated, speaking in a manner similar to his most powerful ally, President Donald Trump. Paxton received the GOP’s greatest blessing last month, when Trump announced his support for the attorney general in a consequential Truth Social post.
“WE HAVE ALREADY MADE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, BUT NOW, WE WANT TO MAKE OUR NATION BETTER THAN EVER BEFORE,” the president wrote.
“Therefore, Ken Paxton has my Complete and Total Endorsement to be the next United States Senator from the Great State of Texas – KEN PAXTON WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”
Paxton defeated incumbent Senator John Cornyn in a landslide primary win, but Trump’s faith in his ally may be short-lived. The attorney general has worse odds of beating Talarico than Cornyn would have had, and national headwinds favoring Democratic candidates will further hamper Paxton’s campaign.
Cook Politico Report, the analytical firm, shifted its projection of the election a notch toward Talarico immediately after Paxton’s primary victory.
“National Republicans now have a candidate they’ve long assailed as the weaker general election nominee compared to incumbent Sen. John Cornyn,” Jessica Taylor, a Senate analyst for the firm, wrote last month. “We agree with that assessment, and now that Republicans are saddled with a controversial candidate who’s been a weak fundraiser, we are shifting our rating from Likely to Lean Republican.”
Cornyn has appeared bitter since his defeat. He shared an article with a pointed headline in a Sunday X post questioning the president’s motives: “Does Trump really not care about the midterms?”
Do you have questions, concerns or tips? Send them to Ray at rjlewis@sbgtv.com.