At a recent press conference, U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico (D-TX) met with women who have accused convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein of sexual abuse, praising their bravery and calling for answers from unreleased files.
Now, Talarico is calling on Attorney General Ken Paxton (R-TX), who is also his opponent in the Senate race, to sue the Department of Justice (DOJ) over the “mishandling” of the Epstein files and the release of the names and photos of survivors without their consent.
“He [Paxton] has an opportunity to use his power, his authority, to get justice, and we are demanding that he do so,” Talarico said.
In January, the DOJ released millions of records after Congress passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which required the DOJ to make public records related to the investigation and explain any redactions or withheld records. However, some files remained withheld and some information was redacted.
The release has since sparked tension in Congress. Most recently, Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) said he would not support Attorney General nominee Todd Blanche unless Blanche met with Epstein survivors, delaying the nomination’s advance in the Senate Judiciary Committee. Blanche later met with survivors on July 16.
“When did pedophilia become a partisan issue? When did holding sexual abusers accountable become controversial?” Talarico asked. “When did Ken Paxton decide it was okay to ignore these survivors?”
Talarico also pointed to a controversy surrounding a plea deal negotiated by Paxton’s office in 2026 with Adam Hoffman, alleging that Paxton has a “history of protecting pedophiles.”
“Ken Paxton has two choices: he can stand with these survivors and get justice, or he can continue to cover up Jeffrey Epstein's abuse,” he said.
Talarico also highlighted the “corrupt system designed” to keep survivors from speaking out.
So far this Congress, two members have resigned amid sexual misconduct allegations, and one has been censured, the House’s strongest punishment short of expulsion. Several other lawmakers continue to face public scrutiny over similar allegations.
“I am tired of seeing powerful people cover up abuse,” Talarico said. “I think we're all tired of it – Democrats, Independents and Republicans alike.”
