‘He’s solid, has integrity and character’: Longtime TX GOP judge backs Talarico for Senate 1:49

A retired Texas judge with a long Republican history has publicly sided with Democrat James Talarico in the race for a U.S. Senate seat. The endorsement crosses party lines, since it comes from someone who has been part of the state's GOP for many years and is now backing the opposing party's candidate. CNN carried the judge's remarks on Laura Coates Live in a video published late on Monday, October 19, 2026.

The judge reached that decision after talking directly with Talarico. According to CNN, the conversation left the retired jurist persuaded that the candidate is solid, possesses integrity and character, and wants to get results in office. That firsthand impression is the reason the judge gave for lending support to the Democrat's campaign.

The endorsement is framed entirely around Talarico's personal qualities as the judge perceived them in that exchange, with a veteran of Texas Republican circles vouching for a candidate from the other party.

Summarized by PolitiKool from CNN’s reporting. Read the full story at CNN →