Politics

Former Texas law enforcement official backs Democrat James Talarico in Senate race

David Maxwell, a whistleblower against Attorney General Ken Paxton, appeared in a campaign ad supporting his opponent.

Updated Sep 8, 2026 · 23:48 UTC2 reports

The short version

David Maxwell, former director of law enforcement under Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, endorsed Democratic state Rep. James Talarico for U.S. Senate.[The Washington Post · The Hill]
Maxwell previously reported Paxton to the FBI in 2020 over alleged abuse of office to benefit a political donor.[The Washington Post]
The allegations spurred Paxton's 2023 Texas House impeachment, though Paxton was later acquitted by the state Senate and avoided federal charges.[The Washington Post]
Recent polling shows Talarico leading Paxton in the Senate race with 47 percent support to Paxton's 40 percent.[The Hill]

David Maxwell, the former top law enforcement official for Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, endorsed Democratic state Rep. James Talarico in the U.S. Senate election.[The Washington Post · The Hill]
Maxwell and other officials contacted the FBI in 2020 regarding claims that Paxton abused his public office on behalf of a political donor.[The Washington Post · The Hill]
The 2020 FBI report served as the foundation for the Texas House impeaching Paxton in 2023.[The Washington Post]
Paxton was acquitted by the Texas Senate, and the Department of Justice declined to file federal criminal charges.[The Washington Post]
A poll indicated Talarico was leading Paxton in the Senate contest, 47 percent to 40 percent.[The Hill]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.