Paxton's Main Attack Against Democrat James Talarico is He is a Vegan ... Talarico Responds ...

Paxton has already begun attacking his likely Democratic challenger before he has officially entered the race, arguing that Talarico is unfit to represent Texans partly because of his supposed veganism.

Paxton said the following about Talarico while eating at a barbecue spot in Katy, Texas:

"He's a vegan! We know that James Talarico would never come here because he doesn’t eat any of that stuff. We never had a US senator who didn’t eat meat, especially Texas barbecue.”

Talarico was, of course, referencing Paxton's long history of legal troubles.

Paxton was indicted in 2015 on state securities fraud charges tied to conduct that predated his time in office, though he pleaded not guilty. The case was ultimately dismissed last year after he completed a pretrial agreement that required restitution payments to victims, ethics training, and community service.

In May 2023, the Texas House of Representatives voted 121–23 to impeach Paxton, temporarily suspending him from office. The impeachment articles accused him of improperly helping a political donor who allegedly bribed him, misusing state resources, retaliating against whistleblowers, interfering in his securities fraud case, and failing to accurately disclose financial interests.

However, in September 2023, the Texas Senate acquitted Paxton on all impeachment charges in a 16–14 vote, allowing him to return to office.