Trump slams Texas Senate hopeful Talarico, defends Ken Paxton as top attorney general

President Donald Trump took to the Oval Office to attack James Talarico, the Democratic contender for the U.S. Senate seat in Texas, after the candidate described capitalism as an oppressive system tied to white supremacy. Trump called Talarico “one of the worst candidates I’ve ever seen,” referencing a nickname he said he would not repeat. He then turned his praise to Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, asserting that despite criticism of Paxton’s dress or interview demeanor, he is the most effective and hardest-working attorney general in the country.

The comments followed earlier reporting that Talarico, speaking at a Sierra Club gathering, warned that the oil and gas industry would not endure and called for dismantling capitalism. In response, Talarico’s campaign spokesperson JT Ennis reiterated that the candidate supports the oil and gas sector and identifies as a proud capitalist. The exchange highlights the sharp partisan rhetoric shaping the upcoming Texas Senate race.