Fox News Chief Political Analyst Brit Hume cast doubt on whether President Trump’s attacks on Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico are landing with voters, arguing the Texas Democrat doesn’t match the president’s portrayal of him.
Talarico, a Texas state representative, will face Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton in next month’s U.S. Senate race. Most polls show Talarico holding a slight lead over Paxton.
That is a notable development in a state that has not elected a Democrat to statewide office since 1994.
GOP TARGETS TALARICO’S PAST COMMENTS
Republicans have zeroed in on Talarico’s past comments describing God as non-binary, as well as his claim that there are six biological sexes.
Trump called those remarks “a real hit on Jesus.” Some Republicans have also taken to calling the Democrat “Talafreako.”
But Hume said the line of attack does not appear to be connecting with voters.
HUME: “WHAT HE DOES NOT SEEM TO BE IS A FREAK”
“The president has been out campaigning vigorously, but I’m not sure it’s making any difference,” Hume said Monday on “Special Report.”
“You look at that situation, for example, in Texas. He’s calling James Talarico, ‘Talafreako,’” Hume continued.
Hume acknowledged that Talarico has “endorsed some pretty exotic positions” during his time in public life and, at least on paper, is not a strong fit for Texas.
“However, what he does not seem to be is a freak. You see him. He seems mild mannered. He seems pleasant. He’s not an unattractive candidate, whether you agree with him or not,” Hume said.
HUME WARNED ABOUT PAXTON IN MAY
This is not the first time Hume has raised concerns about the race.
In May, Hume criticized Trump for endorsing Paxton over Sen. John Cornyn in the Republican primary runoff. At the time, Hume warned that a Paxton nomination could put the seat at risk for Republicans.
Paxton went on to defeat Cornyn, who has so far declined to endorse the attorney general.
“And I think that the seat is now at least in some danger,” Hume said back in May. “Look, Texas is still Texas. Ken Paxton may yet win, but he has a ton of baggage. There’s no doubt about that, and he doesn’t really bring in all segments of the Republican base.”
Hume added that Talarico “has got some baggage, too,” but described him as “a slick talker” who impresses many people.
“So, he’s got a shot now that maybe he didn’t have if his opponent had been Cornyn,” Hume said.
PAXTON’S BAGGAGE
Paxton has faced a long list of controversies.
He was indicted on criminal state securities fraud charges in 2015 and hit with federal civil fraud charges in 2016. Former staff members have accused him of taking bribes, and he was impeached by the Republican-controlled Texas House of Representatives.
Paxton’s wife has accused him of adultery. He has also been accused of abusing his office to help a friend and donor who reportedly employed Paxton’s mistress as a favor.
The attorney general has also drawn criticism over a lenient plea deal his office reached with a former attorney who sexually abused a young boy.
With the election just weeks away, the race in Texas remains one to watch.
[READ MORE: Elon Musk Vows to Give a SpaceX Share to Every Child in America Next Year]
