Key facts
- James Talarico accused Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton of refusing to meet with survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's abuse.
- Talarico stated Paxton has the power to get justice for survivors but is refusing to do so.
- An exhibit in Dallas featured approximately 3.5 million pages of Department of Justice files related to Epstein.
- Sharlene Rochard, an Epstein survivor, urged people to follow evidence regardless of wealth or political connection.
- Gina Hinojosa visited the exhibit, stating there has not been accountability for extensive sexual abuse.
- Democrats are highlighting Donald Trump's past friendship with Epstein as part of their midterm strategy.
Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico accused Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton of "ignoring" survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s sexual abuse, as Democrats aim to increase pressure on Republicans ahead of the November midterm elections. Speaking in Dallas, where Republicans were holding a midterm convention, Talarico appeared with an Epstein survivor at an exhibit displaying approximately 3.5 million pages of Department of Justice files related to Epstein.
Talarico stated that survivors had requested to meet with Paxton but he had refused, asserting that the Texas attorney general has the power to deliver justice but is refusing to do so. "Ken Paxton has two choices: he can stand with these survivors and get justice, or he can continue to cover up Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse," Talarico said.
Sharlene Rochard, a survivor of Epstein’s abuse, spoke at the exhibit, urging people to follow the evidence wherever it leads, especially to those who are wealthy, famous, or politically connected. Gina Hinojosa, a Democrat running against Texas Governor Greg Abbott, also visited the exhibit, reinforcing the focus on Trump’s relationship with Epstein.
Elsewhere, Democrats criticized Donald Trump’s promise of a $5,000 dividend to all US adults if Republicans win the House and Senate. Beto O’Rourke called it a "gimmick" and a "bribe," while Representative Robert Garcia labeled Trump a "liar" and dismissed the dividend promise as unrealistic. Congresswoman Madeleine Dean described the Republican convention as a failure, citing empty seats and weak approval ratings for Trump.