Randy White Endorses Paxton, Criticizes Talarico's Trustworthiness in Texas Senate Race

Key points

• Pro Football Hall of Famer Randy White endorsed Ken Paxton, praising his directness and commitment to issues like the National Child Identification Program and opioid crisis awareness.
• White stated he lost his son-in-law to an accidental opioid overdose, which strengthened his connection to Paxton’s advocacy in that area.
• White explicitly warned that James Talarico 'can’t be trusted,' citing Talarico’s changing positions on transgender participation in girls' sports and bathroom access as evidence of inconsistency.
• White labeled Talarico 'too woke' and urged voters to turn out to prevent his election, contrasting Paxton’s perceived steadfastness with Talarico’s perceived opportunism.
• Despite White’s support, recent polling indicates the race is competitive, with Talarico leading Paxton 51%-49% among likely voters in a Fox News survey conducted late September.

Background

The Texas U.S. Senate race has been characterized as a tossup, with Talarico holding a slight edge among independents and younger voters, while Paxton retains support among older demographics. Prior tensions include Talarico’s campaign seeking to unseal depositions related to Paxton’s past legal disputes and his repeated challenges for a debate, which Paxton’s team declined. Additionally, Rep. Jasmine Crockett opted not to endorse Talarico, focusing instead on downballot campaigns, reflecting internal Democratic dynamics in the state.

Why it matters

The endorsement from a prominent sports figure adds cultural weight to Paxton’s campaign in a closely contested race. It highlights the central role of cultural and social issues, such as transgender rights and drug policy, in shaping voter perceptions of trust and consistency. The race’s outcome could signal a shift in Texas politics, potentially affecting the balance of power in the U.S. Senate.

What to watch

The general election is scheduled for November 3, 2026. With early voting approaching, both campaigns are expected to intensify outreach efforts. Talarico’s office has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding White’s criticisms, while Paxton’s team continues to emphasize his record on child safety and opioid initiatives. Further polling and potential debate invitations may influence the final outcome.