Texas Republican backs Democrat James Talarico despite local backlash
Long-time Republican James Edge of Bryan, Texas, says he is backing Democrat James Talarico for the US Senate, becoming the first in his family to vote for a Democrat. His public endorsement has cost him some local friendships and prompted hostile responses, while highlighting the potential influence of Republicans unwilling to reveal their political shift.
Talarico, 37, is running against Republican Ken Paxton and is described as neck-and-neck with him; he needs Republican voters to switch sides to win Texas. Edge says elected Republicans and staffers have privately told him they agree but fear backlash. In swing Jefferson County, voter Karan Berman said Republicans she knows were staying with their party.
In short
- James Edge, a lifelong Republican, says he is backing Democrat James Talarico.
- Edge reports losing friends and facing hostility after going public.
- Talarico needs Republican defections to win his Texas Senate race.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Edge’s endorsement reflects the view that voters should be willing to cross party lines when they believe a candidate better represents their priorities, and that public support can help make such choices easier for others. If Talarico is competitive, Republican defectors could also have a meaningful effect on the race.
The case against
Republicans who stay with their party may see party loyalty as a way to support its broader policies and avoid empowering a candidate whose platform they oppose. Keeping their views private can also be a reasonable response to social or professional costs, rather than evidence that they lack conviction.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Meet the Republicans who are secretly voting Democrat in the midterms… despite a brutal backlash waiting at home”.