James Talarico Targets Ken Paxton’s Record With Bid to Unseal Court Documents/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico is asking a Texas court to release depositions involving Republican opponent Ken Paxton. The testimony comes from a settled fraud lawsuit against a mineral assets company connected to Paxton, who was not a defendant. Talarico is highlighting Paxton’s history of legal and political controversies, while Paxton has consistently dismissed allegations against him as politically motivated.
Quick Look
- James Talarico is the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Texas.
- His campaign asked a court Wednesday to release depositions involving Ken Paxton.
- The testimony comes from a settled fraud lawsuit against Unity Resources.
- Paxton was connected to the company but was not named as a defendant.
- The Wall Street Journal previously reported details from one deposition.
- The newspaper said Paxton answered that he could not recall information about 90 times.
- Claims that Paxton may have violated attorney-client privilege have been disputed.
- Talarico is also emphasizing Paxton’s impeachment and former securities fraud charges.
- Paxton was acquitted in his impeachment trial and admitted no guilt in the securities case.
- Paxton’s campaign did not immediately comment on the latest court filing.
Deep Look
Talarico Moves to Unseal Paxton Depositions
James Talarico, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Texas, is asking a court to release depositions involving his Republican opponent, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Talarico’s campaign confirmed Wednesday that it had sought access to the documents as part of its effort to focus voters’ attention on Paxton’s history of legal disputes and political scandals.
The depositions were taken in connection with a civil lawsuit accusing Unity Resources, a mineral assets company, of fraud. Paxton had connections to the company but was not named as a defendant in the case, which was ultimately settled.
Campaign Argues the Documents Should Be Public
In a draft court filing, attorneys for Talarico’s campaign argued that Texas law provides no justification for keeping the depositions sealed.
The lawyers said there is “no basis under Texas law or procedure to withhold them from the public. Keeping them secret violates Texas’s constitutional guarantee that judicial proceedings be free and open to public scrutiny.”
The campaign’s strategy relies on persuading voters that Paxton’s past controversies raise questions about his fitness for federal office, although similar attacks have not prevented him from winning previous elections.
Previous Reporting Detailed One Deposition
The Wall Street Journal previously reported on the contents of one deposition, including allegations that Paxton might have violated attorney-client privilege. People involved in the matter disputed that characterization.
The newspaper also reported that Paxton said he could not recall the answer to a question approximately 90 times during the testimony.
Paxton’s campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment about Talarico’s effort to release the documents.
Talarico Highlights Paxton’s Broader Record
The deposition request is one part of Talarico’s wider campaign to revive scrutiny of Paxton’s conduct.
Talarico recently circulated an older video showing Paxton putting an expensive pen in his pocket at a courthouse security checkpoint. He has also emphasized Paxton’s impeachment by the Texas House and his previous criminal securities fraud charges.
Paxton was acquitted by the Texas Senate following his impeachment. His securities fraud case ended through an agreement with prosecutors that required restitution payments but included no admission of guilt.
Paxton Has Survived Previous Controversies
Paxton has repeatedly denied wrongdoing and described allegations against him as politically motivated smears. That approach has helped him withstand years of legal and political challenges.
The attorney general demonstrated his continued strength among Republican voters when he defeated incumbent U.S. Sen. John Cornyn in this year’s GOP primary.
Paxton is also supported by President Donald Trump, who has similarly characterized investigations and legal cases involving him as politically motivated.
Talarico now faces the challenge of convincing general election voters that the controversies surrounding Paxton should carry more weight than they did during the Republican primary.
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