Dallas‑born Dallas Cowboys legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer Randy White announced his endorsement of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the state’s pivotal U.S. Senate contest. In an exclusive interview with OutKick, White praised Paxton’s willingness to “get things done” and speak the truth, emphasizing the importance of steadfast leadership for Texas families.
Why White Supports Paxton
White said his support stems from a personal relationship with Paxton and their joint efforts on issues affecting children and the opioid crisis. He highlighted Paxton’s advocacy for the National Child Identification Program, which supplies parents with kits to preserve their children’s fingerprints, DNA and other identifying data at home. “He’s a big supporter of the Child ID program, which is something I’m a big supporter of — helping kids,” White said.
White also shared a personal tragedy: the accidental overdose death of his son‑in‑law. The loss motivated him to become an outspoken advocate for drug‑awareness initiatives. In 2024, he joined Paxton and other Texas parents in a public service announcement aimed at combating fentanyl‑laced drugs.
Contrast With Democrat James Talarico
When asked about his opponent, Democrat James Talarico, White was blunt. “I know Ken Paxton. I know he’s going to do what he says he’s going to do. I don’t know this other guy,” White said, adding that he considers Talarico “too woke.” He specifically cited Talarico’s past votes on transgender participation in girls’ sports and bathroom access as reasons for distrust.
White noted that Talarico once voted against Republican‑backed restrictions on transgender athletes, though the lawmaker later said he would oppose trans athletes in girls’ sports if safety or fairness were at risk. White interpreted the shifting stance as a sign that Talarico “goes with the wind” and cannot be relied upon to stand firm for Texas families.
Polls Show a Tight Race
Recent Fox News polling conducted Sept. 24‑28 found Talarico leading Paxton 51%‑49% among likely voters, a margin within the poll’s three‑point sampling error. Other recent polls have shown a similarly narrow gap, indicating a competitive general‑election race.
White’s Continued Support for President Trump
White also reaffirmed his unwavering support for President Donald Trump, praising the administration’s handling of the economy and foreign policy. “I love President Trump. I’m behind him 1,000%,” White said, adding that Trump’s policies are helping bring gas prices back down and protecting the nation’s security, including the decision to confront Iran.
What This Means for Texas Voters
White’s endorsement adds a high‑profile sports figure to Paxton’s campaign, reinforcing the message that the Republican candidate stands for strong parental rights, child safety and a firm stance on the opioid epidemic. The former NFL star urged Texas voters to turn out, warning that a Talarico victory could lead to policies that conflict with traditional family values.
Paxton secured the Republican nomination in May after defeating longtime Sen. John Cornyn in a runoff, a victory that underscored President Trump’s influence in the party. Trump endorsed Paxton shortly before the runoff, further solidifying the connection between the two.
As the November election approaches, both campaigns are intensifying outreach to Texas voters, emphasizing issues that resonate with families, faith communities and those concerned about public safety.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
