Today, James Talarico announced a first wave of endorsements from Republican leaders who have crossed party lines to support his campaign for the U.S. Senate. The group’s founding members include current and former statewide officials, legislators, and local leaders from across Texas.
“I’m proud to welcome Republicans into this campaign to take power back for working people — because the real fight in this country is not left versus right, it’s top versus bottom,” said James Talarico. “My message to Texans across the political spectrum is clear: you have a place in this movement.”
“As a Republican, I believe in faith, family, the rule of law, and holding public officials accountable when they betray the public trust. I will support plenty of Republicans this November, but I cannot vote for Ken Paxton,” said Bryan Mayor Pro Tem James Edge. “James Talarico has demonstrated that he is willing to listen, work across party lines, and put Texas and our country first. As a lifelong conservative Republican, I’m proud to support him this November.”
“After serving with Mr. Paxton for three of my five terms in the Texas House, I did not witness a bipartisan effort to effect change. Although I did not serve with James Talarico, I am impressed by his maturity, knowledge, and confident manner. He is a native Texan and champion for all people. I believe his victory at this critical time is imperative for Texas and our country,” said former Texas State Representative Susan Lewis King from Abilene. “There is a stark comparison between James Talarico and his opponent. Mr. Paxton has had a persistent association with corruption, including impeachment hearings supported by people who know him well, the Texas House. I unreservedly join this growing group who know what’s at stake and enthusiastically endorse James Talarico.”
“I am a proud Republican, and supporting James Talarico doesn’t change that. Endorsing his campaign isn’t about abandoning our party. It’s about recognizing a leader whose values reflect my own — and who will get things done for our state and our country,” said former Dallas Mayor and Congressman Steve Bartlett. “James reaches across the aisle, he listens, he’s honest, and he puts Texans ahead of politics — that counts for something in 2026. That’s exactly the kind of leadership I’ve always believed in, no matter which party it comes from.”
“I served 10 years in the Texas House of Representatives. While I may have some differences with Representative Talarico, I believe he is honest and hard-working. I have watched Ken Paxton embarrass our beloved Texas long enough!” said former Texas State Representative Jimmie Don Aycock from Killeen. “I urge you to join myself and many other Republicans as we vote for James Talarico.”
Here are the founding members of Republicans for Talarico:
- James Edge – Bryan City Councilman and Current Mayor Pro Tem, former Texas GOP Convention Delegate
- Jimmie Don Aycock – Former Texas State Representative (HD 54), former GOP Convention Delegate
- Steve Bartlett – Former Mayor of Dallas, former Congressman (TX-3)
- Dorothy Burton – Former Mayor Pro Tem of Duncanville, former Duncanville City Councilwoman
- Ryan Davenport – Former GOP Convention Delegate
- Donna Halstead – Former Dallas City Councilwoman
- Deborah Hankinson – Retired Texas Supreme Court Justice, formerly a Judge on the Fifth District Court of Appeals
- Kimberly Priest Johnson – Retired U.S. Magistrate Judge in the Eastern District of Texas, former Special Assistant to U.S. Attorney
- Susan Lewis King – Former Texas State Representative (HD 71)
- Adam Kinzinger – Former Congressman (IL-16), Current Texan
- Shane Phelps – Deputy Attorney General under Attorney General John Cornyn, former Brazos County First Assistant District Attorney
- Tom Phillips – Retired Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice, former Harris County District Court Judge (District 280)
- David Maxwell – Texas Ranger, former Director of the Law Enforcement Division to Attorney General Ken Paxton
- Bennett Ratliff – Former Texas State Representative (HD 115)
- Jim Richards – Former Dallas City Councilman
- Dale Ross – Former Mayor of Georgetown, former Georgetown City Councilman
- Andrew Sansom – Former Executive Director of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, former Special Assistant to U.S. Secretary of the Interior, Founder of the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment at Texas State University, former GOP Convention Delegate
- Todd Smith – Former Texas State Representative (HD 92)
- Lionel Sosa – Founder of Sosa & Associates, campaign advisor to Senator John Tower, President Ronald Reagan, President George H.W. Bush, and President George W. Bush
- Alan Steelman – Former Congressman (TX-5), former Republican nominee for US Senate, Special Assistant to President Nixon
- Glen Whitley – Former Tarrant County Judge, former County Commissioner
The launch of Republicans for Talarico comes as several major pollsters have rated the race a Toss-Up, with Talarico building support among independents and Republicans alike who want a leader focused on lowering costs and fighting corruption in Washington.
