Talarico campaign hires former top Cornyn staffer

Former Republican congressional staffer Jacob Smith has defected to Democratic Texas Representative James Talarico's campaign for the U.S. Senate. Smith, who served as a deputy legislative director and policy adviser to Republican Senator John Cornyn for five years, will now function as Talarico's deputy policy director. In a statement, Smith expressed his pride in joining Talarico's campaign, praising the Democrat's focus on cost reduction and economic opportunities for Texans.

He also urged fellow Republicans to oppose Republican nominee and current Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, describing him as "unfit for office."

Smith's decision to switch parties is seen as a rejection of partisan loyalty and an endorsement of Talarico's economic message. He criticized Paxton, stating that he would sell Texans' futures to the highest contributor for power. While a Democrat has not won a statewide race in Texas since 1994, Talarico will likely need strong Democratic turnout and support from independents and Republican voters who are unwilling to back Paxton.

Smith's background includes working on policy for Republican lawmakers in Washington, including serving as a legislative aide to Republican Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi.