AUSTIN, TEXAS — Houston attorney Dan Cogdell endorsed Democrat James Talarico in the Texas U.S. Senate race. The Talarico campaign publicly noted the endorsement on Monday.
Cogdell represented Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton for nearly a decade regarding accusations of corruption and securities fraud. He also served on Paxton's defense team during a 2023 impeachment trial that resulted in an acquittal.
Cogdell discussed his decision. "I worked my ass off for the man for nine years. But that's a different inquiry, my obligation to Ken ended at the courthouse steps and my obligation as a citizen is to do what I think is the right thing," Cogdell said. He stated that Paxton focuses excessively on appeasing President Donald Trump. He added that strictly following or endorsing President Donald Trump's positions does not align with the current needs of D.C.
An aide to Ken Paxton's campaign noted that Dan Cogdell is registered as a Democrat. Texas does not require voters to register by political party. Cogdell identifies as a political moderate and has contributed more campaign funds to Republican candidates than to Democratic candidates.
Tony Buzbee, who served as lead defense attorney in the 2023 impeachment trial alongside Cogdell, stated that he supports Ken Paxton in the Senate race. President Donald Trump endorsed Paxton during the final days of the primary runoff. Paxton defeated Sen. John Cornyn in that Republican Senate primary runoff. Cogdell recently conducted a podcast interview with James Talarico.