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Texas Senate Candidate Faces Masculinity-Based Attacks in Campaign
Republican nominee Ken Paxton used nicknames and an advertisement questioning Democratic opponent James Talarico's testosterone levels. The claims reference past campaign statements on meat consumption and gender terminology.
May 28, 7:49 PM·1m read1 source
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Texas attorney general Ken Paxton, the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate, described his Democratic opponent James Talarico with several nicknames during a victory speech following a primary runoff. " The remarks followed Paxton's primary win over incumbent senator John Cornyn.
" Talarico has denied being vegan. The claim originated from 2022 comments at a Texas Humane Legislation Network fundraiser where he discussed reducing meat consumption for climate reasons and stated his campaign would serve only vegan food at events.
At a May campaign stop at Austin's Taco Joint, Talarico ordered two potato, egg, and cheese tacos. His hormone levels have not been made public.
Democratic strategist Eric Koch stated that Paxton is attempting to deflect attention from his own record after being impeached by his party. Koch described Paxton as "the most corrupt politician in America" and said Talarico would win the race. Other Democrats have pointed to Talarico's polling numbers and fundraising totals.
