Ken Paxton whistleblower endorses James Talarico in Texas' U.S. Senate race

David Maxwell, former Texas Ranger and top aide to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, is sworn in on day four of Paxton's impeachment trial in the Texas Senate on Sept. [SA Current]

A retired law enforcement veteran who spent five decades in service to Texas has thrown his support behind James Talarico's bid for U.S. Senate, citing the candidate's opposition to Attorney General Ken Paxton.

David Maxwell, who worked as a Texas Ranger and sergeant with the state Department of Public Safety before leading law enforcement operations in the attorney general's office for nearly a decade, announced his endorsement in a campaign advertisement for Talarico. Maxwell's backing carries particular weight given his extensive professional background and his direct involvement in high-profile allegations against Paxton.

In 2020, Maxwell joined other senior agency employees in filing a complaint with federal authorities, alleging that Paxton had misused his office to advance the interests of Nate Paul, a financial contributor and personal acquaintance. Following their disclosure, Maxwell and his colleagues were terminated from their positions. They subsequently initiated a lawsuit invoking protections under the Texas Whistleblower Act, which resulted in a court ordering the state to pay the dismissed workers $6.6 million in damages. While Paxton declined to contest the judgment, he has not acknowledged any misconduct. Related investigations examining his conduct in connection with Paul have concluded without resulting in charges.

Maxwell's credibility in the race was further bolstered by his testimony during Paxton's 2023 impeachment proceeding in the state Senate. Maxwell stated that Paxton had directed him to undertake investigations benefiting Paul. During his testimony, Maxwell cautioned that Paxton's actions risked federal indictment. The state Senate, controlled by Republicans, voted to acquit Paxton.

The Talarico campaign's advertisement characterizes Maxwell as "the best of the best" and someone who readily identifies wrongdoing. Talarico, an Austin legislator, has centered his Senate campaign around Paxton's track record of legal troubles and ethical controversies, with polling showing the race as highly competitive.

"Ken Paxton ended my five-decade career in public service because I blew the whistle on his corruption," Maxwell stated. "Today, I'm endorsing James Talarico because Texans deserve a Senator who serves the people - not a crook who serves himself."