AUSTIN, Texas – In an unexpected turn of political alliances, Dan Cogdell, a lawyer who once staunchly defended Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton against serious charges, has thrown his support behind Democrat James Talarico in a significant U.S. Senate race, rather than his former client.
This week, Talarico’s campaign highlighted the endorsement from Cogdell, a prominent Houston attorney. Cogdell was instrumental in Paxton’s defense during the historic 2023 impeachment trial, which concluded with Paxton’s acquittal. However, despite his previous efforts on behalf of Paxton, Cogdell has chosen to back Talarico in the upcoming election.
The legal issues that have dogged Paxton throughout his tenure in Texas politics are a cornerstone of Talarico’s campaign strategy. Interestingly, Cogdell’s endorsement does not explicitly reference these past controversies. Instead, his decision seems rooted in broader political concerns.
Cogdell expressed no personal animosity towards Paxton and acknowledged the correctness of his acquittal by Texas lawmakers. Yet, he criticized Paxton’s political approach, describing him as overly preoccupied with aligning himself with former President Donald Trump.
“I worked tirelessly for the man over nearly a decade,” Cogdell told The Associated Press. “But my duty to Ken concluded at the courthouse. As a citizen, I must support what I believe to be right.”
Cogdell believes Texas faces critical challenges, notably in education and healthcare. He argues that blindly following Trump does not address the pressing needs in Washington, D.C. Today. His endorsement of Talarico follows a lengthy conversation with the candidate on Cogdell’s podcast, where they discussed these vital issues.
Asked for comment, an aide to Paxton’s campaign said Cogdell is a Democrat and called the endorsement unsurprising.
The lead defense attorney in Paxton’s impeachment trial, Tony Buzbee, reiterated that on X. Buzbee added that he was supporting Paxton in the race.
Cogdell described himself as a registered Democrat, although voters in Texas do not register by political party. He added, however, that he considers himself a moderate who has given more campaign contributions over the years to Republican candidates than Democrats.
Talarico has given Democrats hope of flipping the statewide seat in Texas blue as the party scrambles to retake control of the U.S. Senate in November.
Paxton’s insurgent campaign beat Sen. John Cornyn in the Republican Senate primary runoff last month, helped by a Trump endorsement in the final days of the race.
