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.
WiredTexas 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.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
5 events- 2022
Talarico discussed reducing meat consumption at a Texas Humane Legislation Network fundraiser.
1 sourceWired - Tuesday
Ken Paxton defeated John Cornyn in a Republican primary runoff for U.S. Senate.
1 sourceWired - Tuesday
Paxton referred to Talarico with multiple nicknames in his victory speech.
1 sourceWired - Wednesday
Paxton's first general-election advertisement questioned Talarico's testosterone levels.
1 sourceWired - Earlier in May
Talarico ordered non-vegan tacos at an Austin restaurant during a campaign stop.
1 sourceWired
Potential Impact
- 01
Talarico campaign began selling shirts featuring one of the nicknames used by Paxton.
- 02
Democratic strategists stated the attacks would not affect Talarico's polling position.
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