Full Breakdown
Ken Paxton Faces Personal Blow as Former Attorney Endorses Democratic Opponent
6/9/2026, 12:35:18 AM
Core Event: Former Attorney Publicly Rebukes Paxton and Endorses James Talarico
On Monday, Dan Cogdell, the defense lawyer who represented Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton during his 2023 impeachment trial, issued a public rebuke of Paxton and announced his endorsement of Paxton’s Democratic opponent, state Representative James Talarico, in the 2024 U.S. Senate race. The remarks were recorded in a NOTUS interview released Monday.
Background & Context: Paxton’s Controversial Record
Paxton, a Republican, has been a polarizing figure in Texas politics. He faced impeachment in 2023, the same year he was accused of bribery and fraud. He previously threatened to arrest Texas Democratic lawmakers who opposed Republican redistricting plans. Earlier controversies include an alleged 2013 theft of a $1,000 luxury fountain pen from a courthouse and a 2023 divorce filing by his wife, who accused him of infidelity. Despite these issues, Paxton secured the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate seat.
Key Figures
- Ken Paxton – Texas Attorney General and Republican Senate nominee.
- Dan Cogdell – Defense attorney for Paxton in 2023; now a vocal critic.
- James Talarico – Democratic state representative challenging Paxton.
- President Donald Trump – Endorsed Paxton for the Senate seat.
Official Statements & Responses
President Donald Trump publicly endorsed Paxton’s Senate candidacy, reinforcing the incumbent’s standing within the Republican base. The endorsement underscores Paxton’s alignment with national Republican leadership. The article does not record any direct response from Paxton or his campaign to Cogdell’s criticism.
Criticism & Opposition
Cogdell argued that Paxton “has lost sight of his core mission, which is to represent the people of Texas.” He further asserted that Talarico “believes in unity over division” and can attract support across party lines. The criticism aligns with broader concerns about Paxton’s past conduct, including his threats toward Democratic lawmakers and the 2023 legal accusations. Cogdell’s public break with Paxton marks a rare intra-party dispute.
Verbatim Quotes
> “[Paxton] has lost sight of his core mission, which is to represent the people of Texas,” — Dan Cogdell, Defense Lawyer
> “And unlike Ken, I believe to my core that James Talarico believes in unity over division and that he knows how to assemble not only Democrats, but Independents and Republicans, and we need that right now.” — Dan Cogdell, Defense Lawyer
What’s Next: Potential Impact on the Senate Race
Cogdell’s endorsement of Talarico introduces a rare intra-party critique that could influence moderate voters ahead of the November election. Analysts will watch whether the rebuke alters fundraising dynamics or voter perceptions as the campaign enters its final months.
