The Epstein reckoning hits the campaign trail

September 15, 2026

Democratic candidates across multiple states are making their opponents' handling of sexual abuse cases and ties to sex offenders a central campaign issue, attempting to flip traditional Republican advantages on crime messaging. In Texas, Senate candidate James Talarico is attacking Attorney General Ken Paxton over plea deals in sexual abuse cases and his failure to meet with Jeffrey Epstein survivors, while in North Carolina, Democrats are targeting Michael Whatley for repeatedly elevating a convicted sex offender within the state GOP. Arizona's gubernatorial race features criticism of Republican Andy Biggs for blocking legislation that would have addressed law enforcement corruption enabling child abuse within a polygamist cult.

Who is affected

Jeffrey Epstein survivors, including Annie Farmer and Sharlene Rochard
Child victims of sexual abuse in Texas, North Carolina, Arizona, and other states
Voters in Texas, North Carolina, Arizona, Michigan, and Virginia
Democratic candidates: James Talarico (Texas Senate), Roy Cooper (North Carolina Senate), Katie Hobbs (Arizona Governor), Christina Hines (Michigan House), and Shannon Taylor (Virginia House)
Republican candidates: Ken Paxton, Michael Whatley, Andy Biggs, Mike Bouchard Jr., and Rob Wittman
Women and children affected by abuse within the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
Convicted sex offenders Harvey West Jr. and Joe Morrissey who have been elevated to political positions

What action is being taken

Talarico is touring the Reading Room exhibit of Epstein investigation files and meeting with survivors
Talarico's campaign is airing television ads attacking Paxton over plea deals
The North Carolina Democratic Party is running digital ads on conservative platforms targeting Whatley
WinSenate PAC is running $2.3 million in digital ads against Whatley
Hobbs' campaign is attacking Biggs through a website and documentary-style video
Shannon Taylor is running television ads highlighting her prosecution record
Christina Hines is campaigning door-to-door emphasizing her background as a sex crimes prosecutor

Why it matters

This represents a significant shift in political messaging dynamics, as Democrats are attempting to neutralize or reverse Republicans' traditional advantage on crime issues by focusing specifically on sexual abuse accountability and ties to sex offenders. The strategy capitalizes on bipartisan public outrage over the Epstein case and seeks to exploit what Democratic strategists identify as rare crossover appeal on this issue. By attacking Republicans on sexual abuse cases while highlighting their own prosecution credentials, Democrats are attempting to reframe the crime debate in competitive races that could determine control of state and federal offices, challenging the narrative that Republicans are tougher on crime and potentially appealing to voters across party lines who prioritize protecting children and holding powerful abusers accountable.

What's next

Talarico is calling on Paxton to use his authority to sue the Justice Department over its handling of Epstein file releases
Ongoing competitive campaigns in Texas, North Carolina, Arizona, Michigan, and Virginia leading up to elections

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