The Brisket Defense: Talarico Fights Back Against Republican “Vegan” Taunts — Make Texas Blue Again

Facing weeks of Republican mockery labeling him a vegan, Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico fought back on Tuesday, the most Texan way possible: by sitting down to a massive platter of brisket, ribs, sausage, and brisket boudin.

“It’s so good,” Talarico declared between bites at Smokey Joe’s BBQ in Dallas, comparing it to the legendary barbecue of his Central Texas roots.

The lunch stop was far more than just a meal-it was a strategic counterpunch. In the high-stakes Senate race against Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton, Talarico’s diet has become a bizarrely central campaign issue.

How “Taco-Gate” Began

The GOP attacks gained serious traction last month after Talarico, a state representative from Austin, met with former President Barack Obama at Austin’s Taco Joint. Talarico ordered two potato, egg, and cheese breakfast tacos-a staple an employee confirmed is his usual order.

Republican leaders immediately seized on the meatless meal:

• Donald Trump: “He’s a vegan and you can’t get elected as a vegan in Texas.”
• Gov. Greg Abbott: Posted on X, “Potato egg and cheese? Homi is not beating the vegetarian allegations.”

While Talarico has repeatedly stated he is not a vegan (adding that there is nothing wrong with being one), his campaign has spent days aggressively pushing back on the narrative that he is culturally out of step with the Lone Star State.

Meat and Message

Tuesday’s highly visible rebuttal at Smokey Joe’s-where Talarico was joined by Dallas State Sen. Royce West-featured a meat platter stacked with Texas Twinkies (bacon-wrapped jalapeños stuffed with cream cheese and brisket).

Talarico dismissed the GOP’s culinary obsession as a smoke screen.

“Ken Paxton doesn’t have anything to run on,” Talarico said. “He doesn’t have solutions to lower people’s costs or unrig this economy, so all he’s got is name-calling. What’s bad is lying. And there’s a very clear public record of me loving Texas barbecue.”

The campaign also used the photo-op to pivot to policy, using the restaurant setting to highlight how skyrocketing beef prices are squeezing both Texas families and local small businesses.

Taking the Fight to Paxton’s Backyard

The barbecue broadside followed a massive campaign rally the night before in Collin County, a conservative stronghold where Talarico is actively courting independents, moderates, and disaffected Republicans.

Addressing a roaring, sign-waving crowd at the Plano Event Center on Monday, June 1, 2026, Talarico went straight after Paxton’s long history of legal and ethical controversies. He labeled the incumbent Attorney General the “most corrupt politician in America.”

“Ken Paxton’s mugshot was taken just a few miles from here at the Collin County courthouse,” Talarico told the crowd. “If Ken Paxton will sell out his own friends for a quick buck, what makes you think he won’t sell you out in the United States Senate?”

The jab was a direct reference to Paxton’s 2015 felony securities fraud indictment, where he was accused of steering investors to a tech company without disclosing that he was being paid to promote its stock. Those charges were ultimately dismissed following a deal in which Paxton agreed to perform community service and pay roughly $270,000 in restitution.

Originally published at https://maketexasblueagain.com on June 4, 2026.