GOP Staffers Defect to Democratic Senate Campaigns in Kansas and Texas

Long-time Republican operatives are joining Democratic tickets in two high-profile Senate contests that Democrats hope to flip in the 2026 midterms. In Kansas, Democratic candidate Adam Hamilton hired former Kansas Republican Party staffer Austin Gilpin. In Texas, Democratic candidate James Talarico added former Republican Senator John Cornyn aide Jacob Smith as deputy policy director. Both hires were confirmed in June 2026.

Newsweek

Democrats are expanding their Senate strategy into states that backed former President Donald Trump by double-digit margins in the 2024 election, citing his declining approval and concerns over the economy and the war in Iran. Winning traditionally Republican states such as Texas and Kansas is viewed as essential for achieving a Senate majority, even though the Cook Political Report still classifies the races as likely Republican.

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• The Texas Public Opinion Research (TPOR) poll, surveying 1,000 likely voters from August 21 to 24, 2026, gave Talarico a 48%–42% lead over incumbent Ken Paxton (margin of error ±3.3 points).

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• The University of Texas/Texas Politics Project poll, surveying 1,200 registered voters from August 5 to 13, 2026, showed Talarico ahead by 3 points (42% to 39%; margin of error ±3).

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• In Kansas, a Public Policy Polling survey of 569 voters conducted August 7–8, 2026 placed Republican Roger Marshall at 46% versus Hamilton’s 45%.

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• A GBAO poll of 600 likely voters from July 8–13, 2026 gave Marshall a 47%–43% edge.

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“Ken Paxton is the most corrupt, self-dealing politician in Texas who would sell their futures to the highest contributor just to hold onto power. I’m encouraging all my fellow Republicans who know Ken Paxton is unfit to serve in the Senate to finally hold him accountable at the ballot box,” — Jacob Smith, who worked for Republican Senator John Cornyn

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