Years of scandals haven’t stopped Ken Paxton. Can James Talarico change that?
Seattle times · 2026-07-27
Ken Paxton, despite a history of scandals including a 2023 impeachment acquittal, a 2024 securities fraud conviction resulting in a nearly $300,000 restitution, and a prior divorce filing on "biblical grounds," continues to maintain strong support among Republican voters who view him as a "flawed" conservative fighter. This sentiment, exemplified by voters like Wolfforth's David Lapp, 76, suggests that a politician's ethical challenges are no longer necessarily disqualifying for some constituents. Following a primary election where his opponent was outspent by over $90 million, Paxton secured a decisive victory with an endorsement from Donald Trump. State Representative James Talarico, however, is now attempting to challenge Paxton's political resilience by focusing on his office's handling of a child sexual abuse case in Waco. This involves Adam Hoffman, a lawyer whose felony case, after a hung jury, concluded in April with a misdemeanor plea, a 60-day jail sentence, and no sex offender registration, reportedly due to the victim's reluctance to testify again. Talarico, vowing to "prosecute the case" against Paxton, whom he labeled "the most corrupt politician in America," hopes this recent event will spark new scrutiny and potentially alter Paxton's political trajectory.
*The full article also explores the broader implications of voter tolerance for scandal and the long-term effectiveness of challenging established political figures on ethical grounds.*