Texas Ranchers Shouldn't Vote for 'Lizard' Ken Paxton: Ex-Farm Bureau Chief

Former Texas Farm Bureau president Bob Stallman has harshly criticized Ken Paxton, likening him to a "lizard" in his moral character. Stallman, who once led the Farm Bureau and endorsed Paxton for Senate, accused the Republican candidate of being "corrupt" and questioned his integrity. The criticisms came just weeks after the Farm Bureau endorsed Paxton, despite the group's claim that he had consistently defended farmers and ranchers in court.

Stallman's op-ed, published in the Houston Chronicle, highlighted Paxton's alleged marital infidelity and his 2023 impeachment by the Texas House over abuse of office. Despite being acquitted by the Texas Senate, Stallman maintained that Paxton was proven to be corrupt. He also pointed out that Paxton failed to challenge President Donald Trump's 2026 announcement allowing imported ground beef at lower tariffs, which many ranchers opposed as it would undercut domestic producers already struggling with low herd numbers and high costs.

Stallman's endorsement of Democrat James Talarico for Senate has been seen as a shift in the race, with Talarico now leading Paxton in recent polling. Talarico has spoken out against Trump's beef plan, expressing concern that flooding the market with foreign beef would harm Texas ranchers. Despite Talarico's vegan diet being questioned by some Republicans, Stallman emphasized that it is not a factor in the election, stating that "honor and integrity still matter."