Ken Paxton has accused Democrat James Talarico of abusing his office while consulting for MAYA (now VIDA Collaborative), after a report showing the firm received TEA contracts worth $3.5M (2021) and $1.6M (2022). Talarico's campaign and VIDA say his consulting was disclosed, barred him from representing the firm before state agencies, and that he had no role in securing contracts. Talarico was paid $83,333.40 for consulting work in 2025. Paxton, who defeated John Cornyn in the GOP primary, has a history of legal controversies including a 2015 indictment and 2023 impeachment proceedings; polls show a close race ahead of Nov. 3.
Paxton Accuses Talarico Of Corruption As Texas Senate Race Heats Up
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Texas state Rep. James Talarico speaks at a food drive at the Frederick Douglass Human Services and Justice Center, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in Dallas.
Ken Paxton has publicly accused Democratic rival James Talarico of abusing his office to benefit a consulting firm he worked for while serving in the Texas House, ratcheting up tensions in the closely watched U.S. Senate contest as Election Day approaches.
"James Talarico abused his office to enrich himself and his employer. He needs to answer for his corruption and explain to taxpayers why he used their tax dollars to benefit himself and the woke DEI firm paying him tens of thousands of dollars."
Allegations and Reporting
The accusation follows a Fox News report about Talarico's past consulting for MAYA Consulting, which now operates as VIDA Collaborative, during the period he sat on the Texas House Public Education Committee — the panel that provides oversight of the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Public records show MAYA received TEA contracts worth $3.5 million in 2021 and $1.6 million in 2022.
Responses From Talarico And VIDA
Talarico's campaign rejected Paxton's charge as false, saying the consulting work was disclosed, complied with Texas House rules and specifically barred him from representing the firm before the Legislature or education agencies. The campaign told reporters that Talarico did not vote on or influence the TEA contracts at issue.
VIDA Collaborative CEO Kassi Longoria told the outlet that Talarico "never worked under, received compensation from, or was involved in securing any state- or federally-funded contracts," adding that safeguards and disclosures were in place to prevent conflicts of interest.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, candidate for U.S. Senate, arrives to speak during the Republican National Midterm Convention at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas on September 9, 2026.
According to campaign financial disclosures cited in reporting, Talarico received $83,333.40 for consulting work with MAYA in 2025.
Paxton's Record And The Political Context
Paxton, who defeated incumbent Sen. John Cornyn in the Republican primary with former President Donald Trump's endorsement, has a long public record of legal and ethics scrutiny. He was indicted on securities-related charges in 2015; that case was dismissed in 2024 after Paxton agreed to pay nearly $300,000 in restitution. Several of his top staffers reported alleged misconduct to law enforcement in 2020, prompting an FBI inquiry. In May 2023, the Texas House approved 20 articles of impeachment against Paxton; the Texas Senate acquitted him in September 2023.
Where The Race Stands
With roughly six weeks to go until the midterms, most major polls show Talarico leading or the race neck-and-neck. A compilation of polls cited by The New York Times indicates Paxton has not led since an Emerson College survey (Aug. 9–10) that showed a one-point edge; an Overton Insights survey (Aug. 21–24) found the contest essentially tied. A Texas Southern University poll (Aug. 18–22) reported Talarico holding significant leads in three districts — TX-15, TX-28 and TX-34 — which President Trump carried by double digits in 2024. Paxton has questioned the accuracy of outside polls, saying his internal polling shows a different picture.
Election Day: Nov. 3.
Note: News outlets contacted both campaigns and VIDA Collaborative for comment and said they would update reporting if additional responses were provided.
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