Paxton Revives 'Tofu Talarico' Attack in 2026 Texas Senate Race as Trump Echoes Vegan Claim
Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · May 28
Paxton Revives 'Tofu Talarico' Attack in 2026 Texas Senate Race as Trump Echoes Vegan Claim
11 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · May 28
Ken Paxton used his May 26 runoff-victory speech to brand Democratic nominee James Talarico “Tofu Talarico,” repeating a false claim that he is vegan in the 2026 Texas Senate race.
Trump amplified the line on May 20, saying “you can’t get elected as a vegan in Texas,” as Republicans try to cast Talarico as radical and culturally out of step in a state where beef carries political weight.
Talarico has denied being vegan, noting his taco order included egg and cheese and pointing to campaign photos and videos showing him eating barbecue, chicken and steak.
The attack traces to 2022 remarks in which Talarico said his campaign had become “non-meat” and was buying vegan products, comments Ted Cruz and John Cornyn recirculated in March.
Texas has more than 12 million head of cattle—about 15% of U.S. production—helping explain why meat consumption has become a symbolic proxy fight over identity, masculinity and authenticity.
As online political ads disappear, is a candidate's diet the new frontier for campaign attacks?
When a candidate's meal is questioned, what does it reveal about the politics of cultural identity?