Houston attorney Dan Cogdell, who represented Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton for nearly a decade in criminal and impeachment proceedings, has endorsed Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico over his former client.

Cogdell was part of Paxton's defense team during the Republican attorney general's historic impeachment trial in 2023, which ended in acquittal. The attorney also helped defend Paxton against criminal charges related to securities fraud allegations.

The Talarico campaign announced Cogdell's endorsement on Monday, highlighting the unusual nature of a defense attorney backing his former client's political opponent. Cogdell stated that Paxton has "lost sight of his mission" as attorney general.

According to reports, Cogdell criticized Paxton for being too focused on appeasing former President Trump rather than fulfilling his duties as the state's top law enforcement official.

Paxton has faced multiple legal challenges during his tenure, including the 2023 impeachment proceedings brought by the Republican-controlled Texas House of Representatives. He was acquitted by the Texas Senate on all charges.

The endorsement adds an unexpected element to what is being described as one of the major U.S. Senate races, with Talarico seeking to capitalize on the credibility that comes from support by someone who previously defended his opponent in high-profile legal matters.