Jacob Smith Joins James Talarico’s Senate Campaign

Outlets report that James Talarico’s Senate campaign hired Jacob Smith, a former John Cornyn aide, as deputy policy director.

Left-leaning outlets present the hire as a Republican aide’s defection that benefits Talarico and highlight Smith’s criticism of Paxton. Center outlets mostly report the hire and Smith’s remarks in restrained terms, with some placing it in the context of the close race. Right-leaning outlets emphasize the move as a dramatic cross-party defection and possible boost for Talarico.