The Candidates Running Against Corruption
For many of the Democratic challengers in Texas, combating corruption is taking center stage in their campaigns.
With three months until the November election, candidates around Texas are making their final pitches to voters. And for many of the Democratic challengers, combating corruption is taking center stage in their campaigns.
In his new digital ad, Attorney General candidate Nathan Johnson is tying the current cyclospora outbreak to recent DOGE cuts. The Department of Government Efficiency, an initiative launched by the current Trump administration, enacted broad cuts and terminations throughout the federal government. The team monitoring illnesses and parasites like cyclospora at the CDC was cut to just three staffers. Many Texas officials have also blamed the rapidly escalating screwworm to DOGE cuts to the Department of Agriculture.
Johnson’s latest ad also notes the relationship between Taylor Farms and the Trump White House. Inspectors initially traced the cyclospora parasite to shredded lettuce from Taylor Farms, before quickly saying the test was a false positive. The reversal happened right after executives with Taylor Farms visited the White House. In 2025, the company donated over $1 million to a pro-Trump Super PAC.
“As attorney general I will do my part to restore trust in public government,” says Johnson in his digital ad. “No political favors, no special treatment, no pay to play. Just honest government in the public interest.”
Both Gina Hinojosa and James Talarico, in their campaigns for governor and senator respectively, have also struck a message of combating corruption. As he campaigns throughout Texas, Talarico often refers to Paxton as “the most corrupt politician in America.” Paxton was impeached by the Texas House for bribery and abuse of office in 2023 but acquitted in the state senate.
In the race to replace Paxton as attorney general, Johnson is facing former state senator Mayes Middleton. His website notes his close relationship with Trump in “advancing the America first agenda.” He also notes his support for DOGE Texas.
Early voting in Texas begins Monday, October 20. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3.
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