government
From an indictment to an alleged affair, Ken Paxton’s controversies hang over his Senate bid
By Alejandro Serrano, Texas Tribune at Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)
· June 22, 2026
· 1 min read
The attorney general has won statewide elections twice since his legal woes began. This time he will be at the top of the ticket, facing a fundraising juggernaut in James Talarico.
Key takeaway This time he will be at the top of the ticket, facing a fundraising juggernaut in James Talarico.
Why this matters in The Bellaire
In Bellaire , where voters tend to be highly engaged and informed, Ken Paxton's Senate bid is likely to be closely watched. As the top of the ticket, Paxton's controversies may influence down-ballot races, potentially affecting local outcomes. Bellaire residents, who have a history of supporting moderate candidates, may be particularly sensitive to the allegations surrounding Paxton. The presence of James Talarico, a formidable fundraising opponent, adds an extra layer of complexity to the race. As the campaign unfolds, Bellaire voters will be weighing Paxton's statewide track record against his personal controversies, and considering how these factors might impact local representation in the Senate. The city's highly educated and active electorate will likely be scrutinizing both candidates' policy positions and personal character, making for a fascinating and potentially pivotal contest.
About this story
Original reporting by Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS) . The Bellaire surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: government ·
Published: June 22, 2026 ·
Source: Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The attorney general has won statewide elections twice since his legal woes began. This time he will be at the top of the ticket, facing a fundraising juggernaut in James Talarico.
When was this published? This article was first published on June 22, 2026 by Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS) and curated for The Bellaire readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Alejandro Serrano, Texas Tribune at Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS). To learn more about how The Bellaire selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from The Bellaire, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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