Political figures and celebrities endorse Texas Senate race candidates

Who's involved

• Ken PaxtonRepublican Attorney General candidate
• James TalaricoDemocratic state Rep. candidate
• Donald TrumpEndorsed Paxton
• Randy WhiteFormer Dallas Cowboys star; endorsed Paxton
• Riley GainesFormer University of Kentucky swimmer; endorsed Paxton
• John ThuneSenate majority leader; endorsed Paxton
• Ted CruzTexas senator; supported Paxton
• Jerry JonesCowboys owner; donated to Paxton
• Kamala HarrisFormer vice president; endorsed Talarico
• Bill NyeTV science educator; endorsed Talarico
• Dan CogdellHouston attorney; endorsed Talarico
• Steve BartlettFormer Republican Dallas mayor and congressman; endorsed Talarico
• Mark CubanDallas businessman and former Shark Tank star; appeared with Talarico
• Willie NelsonCountry music legend; endorsed Talarico

The facts

• Jerry Jones donated $250,000 to a Paxton joint fundraising committee earlier in 2026.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• Kamala Harris endorsed Talarico after backing U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett in the Democratic primary.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• Ted Cruz helped Paxton raise money, campaigned with him, and criticized Talarico.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• Bill Nye appeared in a Talarico campaign video launching Teachers for Talarico.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• Steve Bartlett endorsed Talarico as part of a group of Republicans crossing party lines.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• Willie Nelson released a video encouraging Texans to support Talarico.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources

Who said what

These are statements and claims made by the people involved. They are reported, not verified.

• Riley Gaines Backed Paxton, citing his positions on transgender athletes and transgender issues.^{1 2}
• Randy White Praised Paxton's willingness to act on issues White supports.^{1 2}
• Dan Cogdell His former client Paxton had lost sight of representing Texans.^{1 2}
• Willie Nelson Called Talarico a good man who would make a good senator.^{1 2}
• Mark Cuban Praised Talarico's healthcare proposals.^{1 2}