James Talarico, the Democratic candidate for Senate in Texas, has accused his rival Ken Paxton of "ignoring" survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s sexual abuse. This accusation was made as Democrats seek to increase pressure on Republicans ahead of November’s midterm elections.
Speaking in Dallas, where Republicans are holding a midterm convention this week, Mr Talarico appeared alongside an Epstein survivor at an exhibit. The exhibit featured approximately 3.5 million pages of Department of Justice files related to Epstein.
Mr Talarico stated that survivors of Epstein’s abuse had requested to meet with Mr Paxton, the Texas attorney general, but he had refused. He added that Mr Paxton "has the power to get justice for these survivors, and he’s refusing to do so."
Sharlene Rochard, a survivor of Epstein’s abuse, spoke at the Dallas exhibit, noting that "questions remain about what hasn’t been released and why." She urged people to read the files and follow the evidence "no matter where they lead."
Other Democrats also spoke in Dallas, with Gina Hinojosa, running against Texas Governor Greg Abbott, visiting the same exhibit. Democratic Congressman Robert Garcia of California and Congresswoman Madeleine Dean of Pennsylvania criticised Donald Trump's speech and the Republican convention.