James Talarico's (D) Senate campaign has hired a former John Cornyn (R) aide as a deputy policy director, adding a Republican staffer who says he is backing Talarico over Ken Paxton.
The campaign hired Jacob Smith, who previously served as Sen. John Cornyn's Deputy Legislative Director, as its new Deputy Policy Director. The hire, first reported by NOTUS, gives Talarico a former Cornyn aide as he seeks to build support among Democrats, Republicans, and independents.
Smith said his decision to join Talarico's campaign came after years of working for Republicans, including Sen. Cornyn, but said he believes Talarico offers a different approach to politics.
"I've worked for Republicans like Senator Cornyn my entire career, but this year I'm proud to be joining James Talarico's campaign," said Smith. "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."
Smith also used his announcement to deliver a sharp criticism of Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton, Talarico's opponent in the Senate race.
"Ken Paxton is the most corrupt, self-dealing politician in Texas who would sell out working people's futures to the highest contributor just to hold onto power," said Smith.
He urged Republicans who believe Paxton is unfit for the Senate to support Talarico and hold Paxton accountable at the ballot box.
The addition of Smith gives Talarico's campaign another prominent example to point to as it attempts to demonstrate that its coalition extends beyond traditional Democratic voters.
For Talarico, the message is clear: Republicans who are willing to cross party lines have a place in his campaign, especially those who oppose Paxton.
