AUSTIN, TX — Today, Texas Republican former elected officials came together to share why they will not vote for Ken Paxton for U.S. Senate — joining a growing number of lifelong Republicans who will “Pass on Paxton.” In the new video, Republican officials detailed Ken Paxton’s career of corruption and called on Texans to vote their conscience, not party.
“I’m a Republican, and I’m passing on Ken Paxton. James Talarico is by far, without a doubt, the best person in the race for the U.S. Senate. We don’t always agree, but he’s willing to have an open dialogue and hear my side. We need to support the best person — not their party label, not look at what jersey they’re wearing, but who is going to represent us,” said former State Representative Bennett Ratliff.
“The idea that half of the American people are wrong all the time is just false, and the first thing we need to have is a representative that understands that fundamental fact. And I have no doubt that James Talarico is in that category. We need politicians that are going to bring us together — and that is James Talarico, and it is certainly not Ken Paxton,” said former State Representative Todd Smith.
“Ken Paxton is just far too corrupt for Texas. To send Ken Paxton to the United States Senate is adding another gator to the swamp. James hears us — he sees us. He will be our eyes and ears in Washington. He will be our voice,” said former Congressman Alan Steelman.
Texas Republicans Passing on Paxton so far include:
- Glen Whitley – Former Tarrant County Judge, former County Commissioner
- Todd Smith – Former Texas State Representative (HD 92)
- Bennett Ratliff – Former Texas State Representative (HD 115)
- Alan Steelman – Former Congressman (TX-5), former Republican nominee for US Senate
- Russell Thomas – Former Mayor of Ennis, Texas
The “Pass on Paxton” campaign follows efforts from Republicans across the state — including former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas Tom Phillips, brother of President George W. Bush Neil Bush, daughter of President George W. Bush Barbara Bush, former Texas Farm Bureau and American Farm Bureau President Bob Stallman, former George W. Bush White House Associate Director of Public Liaison Abel Guerra, and former Executive Director of the Republican Party of Texas Wayne Thorburn — to cross party lines and support James Talarico.
