Texas Governor Abbott Escalates Attack on Soros-Backed DAs and Talarico Over Crime and Bail Reform

Texas Governor Greg Abbott is intensifying his offensive against Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico and District Attorneys backed by billionaire George Soros, unveiling a robust public safety agenda designed to put Talarico on the defensive. As Talarico attempts to cultivate a “law and order Democrat” image, Abbott’s proposed measures on crime, bail reform, and policing could force the rising progressive star to confront his legislative history. Abbott, who is advocating for the removal of “rogue” prosecutors, the creation of a statewide prosecutor, and the denial of bail for illegal immigrants accused of violent crimes, articulated the necessity of these proposals in a Fox News Digital interview. “Texas Democrats have consistently sided with criminals over the citizens they were elected to protect,” Abbott stated, emphasizing that “keeping dangerous offenders behind bars is one of the most important responsibilities of government.” Although Abbott’s proposals require legislative approval, they are already fueling a larger discussion on crime and public safety in Texas leading up to the midterm elections.

Talarico has sought to bolster his public safety credentials through endorsements from law enforcement officials, including former Dallas FBI Special Agent in Charge Matthew DeSarno. However, Abbott’s allies contend that Talarico’s voting record and his absence from critical public safety votes paint a different picture. Talarico was notably absent for a vote on a bill, named after slain Houston preteen Jocelyn Nungaray, that would have mandated the denial of bail for illegal immigrants charged with violent crimes. Talarico’s campaign defended his absence, citing an excused leave, and noted the bill ultimately failed. Abbott, however, aims to revive this measure. Among the public safety legislation Talarico voted against are House Bill 1900, which prohibited Texas cities from defunding their police departments; House Bill 20, which tightened bail restrictions for violent offenders; and Senate Bill 4, which established mandatory prison sentences for human smuggling and stash house operations. Governor Abbott subsequently signed all three bills into law. “James Talarico’s disastrous record on public safety is indistinguishable from the Texas Democrats who have repeatedly opposed common-sense measures to support law enforcement and keep violent criminals off the streets,” stated Eduardo Leal, press secretary for Abbott’s campaign. “He’s led his Democrat colleagues to vote against legislation that prevented cities from defunding the police and twice failed to show up for votes to deny bail to illegal immigrants charged with violent crimes.”