Politics
Riley Gaines endorses Ken Paxton in Texas US Senate race
Former swimmer Riley Gaines backs Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, highlighting contrasting records on transgender policy with Democratic opponent James Talarico.
The short version
- Women's sports advocate Riley Gaines endorsed Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton for the U.S. Senate.
- Gaines cited Paxton's legal challenges against NCAA transgender competition policies and restrictions on transition-related medical treatments for minors.
- Democratic opponent James Talarico previously opposed school sports legislation based on biological sex, though his campaign says opponent ads mischaracterize his position on youth surgeries.
Key facts
- Riley Gaines endorsed Ken Paxton in the Texas U.S. Senate race, pointing to differences between the candidates on transgender policy.[Fox News]
- Paxton filed a lawsuit against the NCAA in December 2024 over transgender participation policies, and the organization updated its restrictions in February 2025.[Fox News]
- State Rep. James Talarico opposed Texas legislation mandating public school athletes compete on teams matching their sex at birth.[Fox News]
- Paxton defeated incumbent Senator John Cornyn in the May Republican runoff, while Talarico defeated Representative Jasmine Crockett in the Democratic primary.[Fox News]
What remains uncertain
- The full electoral effect of high-profile single-issue endorsements on the November general election outcome remains unknown.[Fox News]