James Talarico Endorsed by Attorney Accusing Opponent Ken Paxton of Theft
Summary
Democratic Representative James Talarico’s U.S. Senate campaign received an endorsement from Joe Joplin, an attorney who accused Talarico’s Republican opponent, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, of taking a pen from a courthouse over ten years ago. The Senate race between Talarico and Paxton is very close and could influence which party controls the Senate after the 2026 midterm elections.Key Facts
- James Talarico is running for U.S. Senate in Texas against incumbent Ken Paxton.
- Joe Joplin, an attorney, accused Paxton of taking a Montblanc pen from a courthouse in Collin County more than a decade ago.
- Paxton’s spokesperson said the pen was taken by mistake and later returned after review of courthouse security footage.
- The pen incident has been used in past political campaigns to raise questions about Paxton’s ethics.
- Paxton faced a 2015 securities fraud indictment that was dismissed in 2025 after he completed a diversion agreement involving restitution and ethics training.
- Recent polls show a tight race, with some surveys placing Talarico slightly ahead and others showing Paxton narrowly leading.
- The race is important as it may affect which political party controls the U.S. Senate after 2026.
- Both campaigns are using the pen story to contrast their candidates’ character and trustworthiness.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
