Austin, Texas — In a move that underscores the shifting dynamics of the Texas Senate race, Democratic state Sen. James Talarico's campaign announced Monday that it has hired Jacob Smith, a longtime Republican staffer who previously served as deputy legislative director for Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), to serve as deputy policy director.
Smith's defection is a notable coup for Talarico, who is challenging Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton for the seat Cornyn is vacating. The hire comes as recent polls show Talarico either leading or statistically tied with Paxton, a Republican who ousted Cornyn in the primary with the backing of former President Trump.
Crossing the aisle
Smith, who has spent his career working for Republicans, including Cornyn, said his decision to join Talarico's campaign was driven by a belief that the Democrat is focused on the needs of working Texans rather than partisan battles. In a statement provided to The Hill, Smith said, "I've worked for Republicans like Senator Cornyn my entire career, but this year I'm proud to be joining James Talarico's campaign. Instead of playing partisan politics, Talarico speaks to the needs of everyday people who day in and day out work too hard for too little."
Smith also directed a pointed message at his fellow Republicans, urging them to reject Paxton, whom he called "unfit to serve in the Senate." He said, "I'm encouraging all my fellow Republicans who know Ken Paxton is unfit to serve in the Senate to finally hold him accountable at the ballot box."
Context of the race
Paxton, a controversial figure who has faced legal troubles and an impeachment trial in the Texas House, won the Republican nomination after Trump spurned Cornyn and endorsed his challenger. The race is now one of the most closely watched in the country, with control of the Senate potentially hinging on the outcome.
Talarico, a progressive from Round Rock, has sought to appeal to moderate Republicans and independents, and the hiring of Smith is part of that strategy. "This is a sign that Talarico's message is resonating beyond the Democratic base," said a political analyst in Austin. "Bringing on a seasoned GOP staffer could help him court swing voters in a state that has trended red for decades."
Recent surveys have shown a tight contest. A poll conducted last month had Talarico up by 2 points, while another had Paxton ahead by 1, within the margin of error. The race has also drawn national attention, with outside groups spending heavily on both sides.
The Talarico campaign did not disclose Smith's salary or other terms of his employment. Smith's experience on Cornyn's staff, where he handled legislative affairs, is expected to bolster Talarico's policy operation, particularly on issues like energy and border security, which are central to the Texas electorate.
The move comes as Texas mail-in ballot rules remain a contentious issue, and as the state grapples with rising diesel prices that have hit working families hard. Talarico has hammered Paxton on economic issues, while Paxton has focused on border security and crime.
With the election just months away, both campaigns are ramping up their operations. Talarico's hire of Smith is seen as a savvy move to broaden his appeal and signal that he can work across the aisle, a message he has emphasized on the trail.
