AUSTIN, Texas — A prominent attorney who spent years defending Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has endorsed Democratic state Rep. James Talarico in one of the nation’s most closely watched Senate races.
Houston defense attorney Dan Cogdell, who played a key role in Paxton’s successful defense during his 2023 impeachment trial and previously represented him in securities fraud proceedings, announced his support for Talarico on Monday. The endorsement marks a significant break between the attorney and his former client after nearly a decade of legal and political support.
In a statement, Cogdell said he believes Paxton has shifted his focus away from representing Texans and become more concerned with national political issues. He said his decision to support Talarico was based on personal interactions with the Democratic lawmaker and a belief that Talarico could build support across party lines.
Cogdell also criticized the performance of Texas government under long-term Republican leadership, pointing to issues such as healthcare access, education, and insurance coverage. Federal Election Commission records show Cogdell previously donated to Paxton’s political campaigns and helped raise funds on his behalf.
Talarico welcomed the endorsement and used it to appeal to moderate Republicans, independents, and voters dissatisfied with political polarization. Paxton’s campaign had not publicly responded to the endorsement at the time of publication.
The race is expected to be one of the most competitive Senate contests of the 2026 election cycle, drawing national attention and substantial campaign spending from both parties.
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