John Cornyn lost. Ken Paxton won. And now one of Cornyn’s own people is helping a Democrat try to take the seat.
Jacob Smith spent five years as deputy legislative director and policy adviser to Sen. John Cornyn. Before that he worked for Rep. Frank Lucas and Sen. Roger Wicker. His entire career was Republican. This week he became deputy policy director for James Talarico, the Democrat running against Paxton in November. Breitbart and the Daily Caller reported the hire.
Smith did not pretend this was some high-minded conversion. He went straight at the man who beat his old boss.
“Ken Paxton is the most corrupt, self-dealing politician in Texas who would sell their futures to the highest contributor just to hold onto power. I’m encouraging all my fellow Republicans who know Ken Paxton is unfit to serve in the Senate to finally hold him accountable at the ballot box.”
There it is. The Cornyn shop lost a bitter runoff. Some of them would rather see a Democrat in that Senate seat than swallow Paxton. Campaigns almost never hire the other party’s staff. A GOP operative called this one “unheard of.” Cornyn’s office, asked about it, pointed to the senator’s line that he will “support the Republican ticket.” Smith did not get that memo.
Can two walk together, except they be agreed?
This Is Not a Moderate Christian
Smith’s statement dressed Talarico up as the candidate of working Texans who just wants to lower costs for Republicans, Democrats, and independents. That is the same pitch Democrats always use when they need conservative votes they cannot win on the issues.
Talarico is a Texas House Democrat, a former teacher, and a Presbyterian seminarian. He is also the man who stood on the House floor in 2021 and said, “God is nonbinary.” He said trans children are “perfect” and “sacred.” He later claimed he was only being “intentionally provocative.” The Daily Signal and The Post Millennial have the record.
He has said the Bible is silent on abortion. He used the Annunciation to argue for abortion rights on Joe Rogan’s show. He has doubled down on that. The Christian Post covered it. He has talked about treating the southern border like a front porch with a giant welcome mat.
He has called ICE “secret police” and talked about tearing it down. Now, with a statewide race in front of him, he says he is a “border security Democrat.” Fox News and the Daily Wire have the receipts.
That is not a man who suddenly discovered kitchen-table conservatism. That is a progressive who needs Republican votes in a state that has not elected a Democrat to the Senate since 1988.
Paxton Has Baggage. Texas Already Knew That.
None of this requires pretending Ken Paxton is a choirboy. He was impeached by the Texas House and acquitted by the Senate. He settled a long-running securities fraud case with community service. His marriage collapsed amid adultery allegations. Those facts were already in the water when Republican primary voters chose him over Cornyn. They chose him anyway.
The establishment spent months and millions trying to stop him. They failed. Now a Cornyn aide is doing the leftover work from the other side of the aisle.
Texas Republicans who cannot stand Paxton have a choice. They can stay home. They can write in someone. Or they can help elect a man who has spent years arguing for abortion, gender confusion, and a softer border while wrapping it in sermon language. Smith is betting enough of them will take the third option.
That is the story. Not courage. Not unity. A staffer from a defeated campaign helping a Democrat finish the job.
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.