AUSTIN, Texas (KBTX) - A former staffer for Republican Sen. John Cornyn has crossed party lines to join Democrat James Talarico's Senate campaign.

Jacob Smith, Cornyn's former deputy legislative director, will serve as deputy policy director for Talarico's campaign, according to a campaign release.

Cornyn lost the Republican primary runoff earlier this year to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is now the Republican nominee.