Ken Paxton Accuses James Talarico of Corrupt Practices in Texas Senate Race

Ken Paxton has leveled allegations of corruption against James Talarico, his opponent in the Texas Senate Race. As the race nears its conclusion, Paxton accused Talarico of abusing his position as a state representative for personal gain.

Paxton’s statement on the social media platform X claimed, “James Talarico abused his office to enrich himself and his employer. He must explain his corruption and justify why he used taxpayer money to benefit himself and the DEI firm compensating him.”

The accusation came after a Fox News report about Talarico’s consulting work for MAYA Consulting, later renamed VIDA Collaborative, while serving on the Texas House Public Education Committee. The committee oversees the Texas Education Agency (TEA), which awarded millions in contracts to MAYA during that time.

A Republican National Committee spokesperson described the situation as a “classic pay-to-play scheme.” Paxton’s campaign informed Newsweek that the contracts aligned with priorities Talarico promoted in the Texas House. Madison Cercy, campaign spokeswoman, accused Talarico of using his office and Texans’ funds for personal enrichment.

Talarico’s campaign dismissed the allegations as false, stating that his work complied with state legislature rules and had no connection to MAYA’s contracts. According to Fox News, Talarico held no voting rights or influence over the contracts, and no evidence supports Paxton’s claim of misuse of taxpayer dollars for personal benefit.

Talarico’s campaign financial disclosures showed he earned $83,333.40 in 2025 from MAYA.

In that period, TEA awarded MAYA contracts worth $3.5 million in 2021 and $1.6 million in 2022, according to the Texas Legislative Budget Board.

Fox News reported Talarico’s membership in the Public Education Committee during the contracts’ timeline. However, VIDA CEO Kassi Longoria stated that Talarico was never involved in contract acquisition or compensation from public funds.

Longoria emphasized that measures ensured no conflict between Talarico’s consulting role and public responsibilities. She confirmed that his association with VIDA was disclosed in mandatory public financial filings. A spokesperson from Talarico’s campaign reiterated full compliance with Texas House rules, denying any involvement in contract acquisitions and highlighting restrictions from representing MAYA before the legislature or education agencies.

Ken Paxton Under Fire

Talarico’s campaign responded by accusing Paxton of creating distractions from his ongoing impeachment and fraud charges. Paxton, endorsed by former President Donald Trump, faced numerous allegations, including securities fraud in 2015, resolved through restitution payment in 2024.

Concerns about Paxton’s conduct surfaced in 2020, leading to an FBI investigation. In 2023, the Texas House approved impeachment articles but the Senate acquitted him. Talarico’s campaign highlighted Paxton’s controversial history and released an ad depicting him as “Texas’s most corrupt politician.”

Current State of the Race

Polling shows Talarico ahead of Paxton weeks before the midterms, with varying margins. According to the New York Times, Paxton’s last lead was in an August survey by Emerson College. Recent polls from Overton Insights and Texas Southern University show Talarico gaining in districts won by Trump in the past.

Paxton, while appearing on Fox News, addressed polling results with skepticism, suggesting internal data showed different prospects, though he acknowledged the close race.

Newsweek editors involved in this story: Ben Kelly and Cristina Diciu.