'Stop giving deals to pedophiles': James Talarico fires back after Ken Paxton calls him 'Talafreako'

A historic primary upset, a stark contrast in ideologies, and an immediate descent into aggressive mudslinging are making the 2026 Texas Senate race one of the most volatile matchups in recent political history. For the Democrats, Rep. James Talarico, known for his libertarian views, won the March primary and is contesting against Attorney General Ken Paxton, known for his hardline stance on immigration and culture issues, endorsed by President Donald Trump. While Paxton's historic victory over four-term Senator John Cornyn remains the highlight of the runoff, the rhetorical war between Talarico and Paxton is laying out how the coming days of the campaign might look.  

Paxton's primary victory amid a scandal-filled campaign, and the Senate GOP leadership initially backing Cornyn, has Republican voters divided, as per a section of political experts. Additionally, Republicans now have the task of fighting attacks from the left over several ethics scandals. After winning the primaries, Paxton indicated that he would attack the Democratic candidate over his "woke" views, and in a series of rhetorical jabs, called Talrico a vegan, mocking his progressive views, and labelled him "Talafreako."  

Responding to the attack, Talarico accused the Texas Attorney General of "protecting the Epstein-class," during an interview with CBS News. When asked about what his response was to Paxton calling him "Talafreako," the Texas Democrat said, "If Ken Paxton is worried about freaks, he should stop giving Epstein-style sweetheart deals to pedophiles. This is the guy who just released Adam Hoffman from jail, an admitted child rapist, after one of Ken Paxton's wealthy lawyer friends got involved in the case." Hoffman, who had pleaded guilty to reduced misdemeanor charges stemming from a child sexual abuse case, was released this month from the McLennan County Jail after serving 28 days of the 60-day sentence. 

Paxton found himself facing severe criticism after Hoffman's release, with a section of lawmakers and Texas citizens demanding accountability regarding how the Attorney General's Office handled the case. Talarico directly attacked Paxton over the controversial decision during the interview.

"Ken Paxton even kept him off the sex offender registry. Adam Hoffman was supposed to serve 25 years to life, but instead, he served less than a month. As of this week, he’s now back on our streets because of Ken Paxton's corruption," Talarico said. "Ken Paxton is the most corrupt politician in America, and it is costing Texans, it’s endangering our children, and it must end. The Epstein class has no place in Texas."