Texas Senate candidate James Talarico has released a campaign advertisement featuring an attorney who is endorsing Talarico, citing an incident where he claims Republican nominee Ken Paxton took his pen. The ad seeks to draw a contrast between the candidates by highlighting past controversies surrounding Paxton.
In 2013, attorney Joe Joplin reported leaving a Montblanc pen, valued at $1,000, in a tray at courthouse security. Security camera footage from the time showed Paxton picking up the pen. A spokesperson for Paxton's office stated the incident was an error. Despite this, the pen incident has been a point of contention for Paxton's opponents for years.
The Talarico campaign ad recounts Joplin's experience trying to retrieve the pen, which was a gift from his wife. The advertisement concludes with Joplin officially endorsing Talarico over Paxton, with a voiceover stating, "Vote for James Talarico. He won’t steal your pen."
Talarico shared the ad on social media, reiterating the promise, "I’ll never steal your pen." His campaign is also selling merchandise, including pens, with the slogan "not Ken Paxton’s pen" through its online store.
This ad is one of several recent instances where Talarico's campaign has drawn attention to Paxton's past. Previously, Paxton faced questions during a phone town hall about alleged infidelity. He has also been accused of using his influence to assist a real estate developer in harassing opponents, with the developer having funded home renovations for Paxton. Additionally, allegations of helping to cover up an extramarital affair have surfaced.
Paxton was impeached in May 2023 on various charges but was acquitted by the Texas Senate a few months later.