Democratic state Rep. James Talarico called on Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to sue the Department of Justice over the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files.
He made the demand in Dallas alongside Epstein abuse survivors Annie Farmer and Sharlene Rochard on Sept. 10 at a traveling exhibit of Epstein files called the "Donald J. Trump and Jeffrey Epstein Memorial Reading Room."
"Today I am calling on Ken Paxton to stop ignoring these survivors and their request to meet, and I am calling on him to use his power as attorney general to sue the Department of Justice over the mishandling of these Epstein files," Talarico said.
Talarico commended the two women for helping expose the abuse while criticizing President Donald Trump's attorney general,
Todd Blanche, whom he said allowed the release of the names and photos of the survivors without their consent.
He also faulted the department for refusing to release an additional 2.5 million Epstein files. Talarico also turned his criticism towards Paxton, with whom he is locked in a closely watched U.S. Senate race in Texas.
"Ken Paxton has two choices," Talarico said. "He can stand with these survivors and get justice, or he can continue to cover up Jeffrey Epstein's abuse. The choice is entirely his."
Farmer, who lives in Texas, said she appreciated Talarico's listening to the survivors and standing with them in their effort to hold the DOJ accountable.
"We have invited Ken Paxton to do the same," Farmer said. "Hopefully he decides to join us."
USA TODAY reached out to the attorney general's office for comment, but has not heard back.
Ken Paxton's campaign responds to Talarico's Epstein file demand
Madison Cercy, Paxton's campaign spokeswoman, responded to Talarico's demands for the Epstein files in a statement to USA TODAY that read:
"If James Talarico was really concerned about the survivors of Epstein's horrific crimes, his campaign infrastructure wouldn't have taken over $11.5 million from Epstein's longtime associate, Reid Hoffman. Now, James Talarico continues to lie to Texans about his radical record with the help of Epstein money. It's disgusting that the man claiming to run a campaign against billionaires is bought and paid for by Epstein's billionaire buddy."
Watch: James Talarico's news conference on the Epstein files
Mateo Rosiles is the Texas Connect reporter for USA TODAY and its regional papers in Texas. Got a news tip for him? Email him at mrosiles@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Talarico calls on Paxton to sue Trump's DOJ over Epstein files
