Democratic U.S. Senate nominee James Talarico is drawing Republican criticism over comments that the lack of Black jurors in Karmelo Anthony’s murder trial showed the justice system is failing Black Texans.
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“I’m not an expert on this particular case, but I know that there were no Black members of the jury, and to me, that’s the only evidence you need to really prove that this system is not working for Black Texans,” Talarico said.
The comments were made during an Aug. 5 appearance on “The Breakfast Club.”
Anthony was found guilty of murder in June, and a jury sentenced him to 35 years in prison for fatally stabbing Austin Metcalf at a Frisco track meet.
What they’re saying:
“We’ve seen what happened with Karmelo Anthony and you said it was a tragedy,” the show’s hosts asked. “What did you mean by that?”
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“Well, I’ve done a lot of work in the statehouse on justice reform, and right now we’ve got a system that doesn’t serve all Americans equally, and we know that Black Texans have not gotten the justice they deserve in many cases,” Talarico said.
The jury in Karmelo Anthony’s trial had no Black jurors, but some were people of color.
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Ken Paxton criticizes Talarico’s comments
The other side:
Talarico’s appearance gained attention from Republicans this week as Anthony seeks a new trial.
Attorney General Ken Paxton, Talarico’s November opponent, framed the comments as support for a “murderer” despite Talarico not commenting specifically on the Anthony trial or verdict.
“Karmelo Anthony was a violent criminal who killed Austin Metcalf in cold blood,” Paxton said on X.
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Two recent polls show Democrat James Talarico narrowly leading Republican Ken Paxton in the U.S. Senate race.
Recent polling shows tight race for U.S. Senate
Recent polling has shown Talarico and Paxton neck-and-neck in the race to become Texas’ next senator.
A Democrat has not won a statewide election in Texas since 1994.