Former Texas attorney general aide, Paxton whistleblower backs Talarico in attack ad

James Talarico, the Democratic contender in the Texas Senate race, has rolled out a new attack advertisement that includes former aide David Maxwell. The spot highlights Maxwell’s past work inside the attorney general’s office and uses his presence to mount criticism of incumbent Ken Paxton.

Maxwell served for nearly a decade as the Texas attorney general’s director of law enforcement, a role that placed him within the AG’s office for an extended period. His history in that position is central to the ad’s appeal, as it frames the remarks of a one-time insider rather than an outside critic.

According to reporting by The Texas Tribune, Maxwell reported Paxton to the FBI six years ago. That prior action is noted in coverage of the ad and provides context for why Maxwell’s involvement would be salient to voters and campaign messaging.

The ad marks a notable moment in the race by putting a former Paxton aide on screen for the Democratic campaign. By drawing on Maxwell’s tenure and past interaction with federal authorities, Talarico’s team appears to be seeking to amplify its critique of the attorney general using the testimony of someone who previously worked under him.