In a move aimed at keeping the focus on his Republican opponent’s past, Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico filed a request with a Texas court on Wednesday to release deposition transcripts that mention Attorney General Ken Paxton. The filings argue that Texas law requires the documents to be open to the public, citing the state’s constitutional guarantee of transparent judicial proceedings.
Background of the depositions
The depositions stem from a civil lawsuit in which Unity Resources, a mineral‑assets company, was accused of fraud. While Paxton was not named as a defendant, he was connected to the company, and the case ultimately settled out of court. The Wall Street Journal previously reported that one deposition suggested Paxton may have breached attorney‑client privilege, a claim that was later disputed by those involved.
Talarico’s campaign strategy
Talarico’s team says the release of the documents will allow Texas voters to evaluate the Attorney General’s conduct and judgment. “There is no basis under Texas law or procedure to withhold these records from the public,” the campaign’s filing states. “Keeping them secret violates Texas’s constitutional guarantee that judicial proceedings be free and open to public scrutiny.” The campaign hopes the disclosures will reinforce concerns raised by voters about Paxton’s prior scandals, including his impeachment, criminal securities‑fraud charges that ended in a restitution agreement, and a recent video showing Paxton pocketing an expensive pen at a courthouse security checkpoint.
Paxton’s response and broader context
Paxton has consistently denied the allegations, describing them as politically motivated smears—an approach he shares with President Donald Trump, who also dismisses criticism as partisan attacks. The Attorney General’s office has not yet responded to requests for comment on the court filing.
Paxton’s political resilience was on display earlier this year when he defeated incumbent U.S. Senator John Cornyn in the Republican primary, a victory many attribute to his ability to rally the party’s base despite ongoing investigations.
Implications for the Senate race
The Texas Senate race is shaping up as a high‑stakes contest, with both candidates seeking to define the narrative early. Talarico’s push for the depositions reflects a broader strategy to highlight perceived ethical lapses by Paxton, while Paxton’s campaign continues to frame the scrutiny as partisan attacks.
Election officials have not set a definitive date for the release of the documents, and the court’s decision could influence the tone of the campaign in the weeks leading up to the November ballot.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
