Former Cornyn Staffer Joins Talarico's Senate Campaign

Jacob Smith, a former senior staffer for outgoing Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), has joined the campaign of Democratic Texas state Senator James Talarico as deputy policy director. Smith previously worked as Cornyn's deputy legislative director and policy adviser for five years. He expressed his support for Talarico, stating, "Instead of playing partisan politics, Talarico speaks to the needs of everyday people who day in and day out work too hard for too little." Talarico is running to flip Texas's Senate seat in the upcoming November election against Republican nominee and state Attorney General Ken Paxton. Smith criticized Paxton's record, citing various scandals, and encouraged Republicans to hold him accountable at the ballot box. Cornyn publicly supported Smith's decision to switch parties, emphasizing that individuals should have the freedom to choose their workplace. Recent polling indicates a competitive race, with Talarico at 47% support compared to Paxton's 45%. Cornyn did not endorse Paxton after their primary battle but pledged to support the Republican ticket in November.