Ken Paxton Turns James Talarico’s Racism Challenge Back on Him
The Texas Senate race quickly became a fight over competing accusations of racial division.
It started after Bo French, the Republican nominee for Texas Railroad Commissioner, posted a picture tied to the Texas Longhorns’ dramatic comeback win over the Ohio State Buckeyes. The students pictured appeared to be of Asian origin, and Democrats—as well as members of French’s own party—criticized the post.
French wrote, “I heard UT graduation this year looked like this. I didn’t believe it,” followed by, “The problem is now obviously far worse than anyone imagined.”
Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico seized on the controversy. He shared a post from Texas Senator John Cornyn criticizing French and then directly challenged Paxton. Talarico wrote: “Thank you @JohnCornyn for your leadership. Racism has no place in Texas. @KenPaxtonTX: will you condemn this blatant racism or will you cower to extremists?”
Paxton’s answer did not follow the script Talarico appeared to want. The Texas attorney general condemned racism, but then turned the focus back toward Talarico’s own public statements.
“I condemn racism in all its forms, including James Talarico saying white men are America’s top terror threat and that he prays to overcome his own ‘whiteness,’ whatever that means,” Paxton wrote. “Only one person in this race has a history of dividing Texans by race, and it’s James Talarico.”
Paxton added, “I will continue to focus on uniting our State and bringing together the broadest possible coalition to fight for Texas, our values, and our families.”
The response drew praise from several social-media accounts. Johnny Maga summed up his reaction with, “Patriot.”
George posted, “Perfect response.”
Libs of TikTok added a blunt, “Boom.”
John Doyle reacted with, “WOW!”
Lancevideos wrote, “This is why I have a Paxton sign in my front lawn.”
The Young Republicans of Texas posted, “This. Is. The. Way.”
The exchange gave Paxton a chance to address criticism of French’s post while also arguing that Talarico has his own record of racially charged rhetoric. Instead of simply accepting Talarico’s framing, Paxton made the contest about what he described as a broader standard: condemning racism in every direction.
The reactions reflected support for Paxton’s response. Talarico asked whether Paxton would condemn a fellow Republican. Paxton said he would condemn racism, then challenged Talarico to answer for his own words.
I condemn racism in all its forms, including James Talarico saying white men are America's top terror threat and that he prays to overcome his own 'whiteness,' whatever that means. Only one person in this race has a history of dividing Texans by race, and it’s James Talarico. I… https://t.co/24Tlp3Rd5U
— Attorney General Ken Paxton (@KenPaxtonTX) September 13, 2026