Two Republican members of the Texas House who previously clashed with Attorney General Ken Paxton have announced their full support for his re-election bid against Democratic State Representative James Talarico. Representatives Matt Shaheen of Prosper and Jeff Leach of Allen, both from Collin County, stated they are now working to ensure Paxton wins the general election.
Shaheen and Leach were among sixty House Republicans who voted to impeach Paxton in May 2023, with Leach serving as an impeachment manager during the Senate trial. Paxton was acquitted of all charges and later campaigned against both lawmakers in their primary elections. Despite this history, the representatives argue that the primary selection is complete and urged voters to support the full Republican ticket.
Shaheen noted he had a brief conversation with Paxton, describing the Attorney General as difficult to reach but expressing commitment to their mutual support. Leach mentioned he has not yet received a response from Paxton but remains hopeful. Both lawmakers criticized Talarico’s past record and warned that abstaining from voting in the Senate race would effectively benefit the Democrat.
Recent polling indicates a very close contest, with Paxton holding a slight lead in the average of recent independent surveys.
