Riley Gaines Endorses Ken Paxton in Texas Senate Race Over Trans Athlete Policies
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Aug 27
Riley Gaines Endorses Ken Paxton in Texas Senate Race Over Trans Athlete Policies
2 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 27
Summary
Riley Gaines backed Ken Paxton in Texas' Senate race, saying he would fight for women, children and families in a contest now headed to the Nov. 3 general election.
Gaines tied her endorsement to Paxton's record on transgender athletes and youth transition care, citing his December 2024 NCAA lawsuit and other legal actions under Texas' minors treatment law.
The endorsement sharpens Paxton's contrast with Democrat James Talarico, who opposed Texas' 2021 school sports law, later said transgender people deserve dignity and equality, and says attacks on his views distort his position.
The issue has gained fresh prominence after the Supreme Court upheld transgender sports bans, reinforcing a debate that helped elevate Gaines after her 2022 NCAA tie with Lia Thomas.