Ken Paxton Targets James Talarico Over Alleged DEI Ties

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's U.S. Senate campaign is criticizing State Rep. and Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico (D), citing a recent report that alleges he profited from consulting work connected to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in Texas schools while supporting similar policies as a legislator.

What is the controversy?

A recent report highlighted by AG Ken Paxton's Senate campaign alleges that State Rep. James Talarico earned income from a consulting firm that helped develop and implement DEI-related programs in Texas public schools.

According to the report, the firm promoted policies involving gender identity issues, diversity initiatives, and school guidance related to transgender students. The campaign argues that Talarico's professional work aligned with legislative efforts he later supported in the Texas Legislature.

What policies are being criticized?

The report alleges that the consulting firm:

• Promoted diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in public schools.
• Encouraged participation in events such as Transgender Day of Visibility.
• Supported policies advising schools not to disclose a student's transgender status to parents in certain circumstances.
• Worked with school districts on implementing equity-focused programs.

Additional criticism from Paxton's campaign

The campaign further criticized Talarico over reports that his former consulting firm contributed to a nonprofit organization that supported efforts to reduce funding for the Austin Police Department during the nationwide debate over policing reforms.

Paxton's campaign argues these connections demonstrate a pattern of support for progressive policies that are out of step with many Texas voters.

What Paxton is saying

AG Ken Paxton: "As Talarico continues to hide behind lies and try to reinvent himself, his disturbing pattern of weird and radical behavior keeps getting worse."

AG Paxton continued: "Talarico claims he is running on his record, but his record is a career-long crusade for radical causes and corruption."

Why does this matter politically?

The criticism comes as Paxton and Talarico prepared for what could become one of Texas's highest-profile Senate races. Education policy, DEI programs, parental rights, and law enforcement funding have become major political issues in Texas and are expected to remain central tropics throughout the campaign.