Ken Paxton makes embarrassing blunder at rally – and James Talarico is quick to expose him for it

American history has become a prominent theme in this year’s political campaigns, particularly after the United States celebrated a major national milestone on July 4.

The country’s 250th anniversary offered politicians across the political spectrum an opportunity to celebrate American independence and emphasize their patriotism ahead of the midterm elections.

For Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, however, the historic occasion has now provided his political opponents with some unexpected ammunition.

During a campaign rally alongside Donald Trump on Tuesday, the Republican Senate candidate attempted to remind supporters of the country’s birthday.

Unfortunately for Paxton, his understanding of the anniversary was off by approximately half a century.

And his Democratic opponent was quick to notice.

Paxton gets America’s birthday spectacularly wrong

The 63-year-old Republican was introducing Trump at a rally in Corpus Christi, Texas, when he decided to reference the Independence Day celebrations earlier this year.

“So I want to finish, as you know, uh, July 4, we celebrated something pretty cool,” Paxton told the crowd.

“We celebrated the 200th anniversary of our country.”

There was just one problem.

The United States declared independence in 1776, meaning July 4, 2026, marked the country’s 250th anniversary.

The 200th anniversary took place back in 1976, when Gerald Ford was president.

Paxton’s mistake quickly attracted attention online, where a video of his remarks circulated among political commentators.

Democratic state representative James Talarico, who is running against Paxton for the Senate seat, wasted little time responding.

But rather than simply correcting the arithmetic, he decided to bring up another controversy involving his Republican opponent.

Democratic rival delivers a pointed history lesson

Talarico, 37, shared the video on X and offered a correction accompanied by a reference to Paxton’s controversial summer vacation.

“It was actually our 250th anniversary,” he wrote.

“Not that you would know—you spent it with the British.”

The remark referred to reports that Paxton had spent the Fourth of July weekend traveling through Europe with Christian influencer Tracy Duhon, with whom he has reportedly been romantically involved.

According to footage obtained by the Daily Mail, Paxton and Duhon were spotted near Westminster Bridge and the London Eye in London during the holiday weekend.

The pair had reportedly traveled to Iceland before arriving in Britain.

The destination carried an obvious historical irony.

While Americans celebrated 250 years since declaring independence from British rule, the Republican candidate was reportedly spending the holiday in the United Kingdom.

Talarico’s campaign had already used the trip to criticize Paxton earlier this year.

“James Talarico spent the Fourth of July in Texas with American icon Willie Nelson,” the campaign wrote on X.

“Ken Paxton spent the Fourth of July with the British.”

European vacation adds to political controversy

Paxton’s reported trip also attracted criticism from the Texas Democratic Party, which questioned his decision to travel abroad during the anniversary celebrations.

“The last place any patriotic Texan would be during the week of America’s historic 250th anniversary is vacationing in England,” party spokesperson Ryan Martin said.

Martin also criticized Paxton’s political record and spending priorities.

“Hardworking Texans are struggling to afford the basics because of Paxton-backed policies, but you won’t find Paxton caring—he’s off enjoying a lavish European vacation with his mistress.”

The allegations surrounding Paxton’s personal life have already complicated his political career.

The attorney general remains legally married to Texas state Senator Angela Paxton, although she filed for divorce last year, citing biblical grounds.

The couple has four children.

Paxton’s campaign did not respond to a request for comment about his latest remarks, according to the original reporting.

Another verbal stumble at Trump’s rally

The anniversary mistake was not the only awkward moment during Paxton’s appearance in Corpus Christi.

During the same speech, the Republican candidate also struggled with his pronunciation of the word “Christianity.”

Video footage circulating online showed him pronouncing the word differently twice within approximately ten seconds.

Although such verbal slips are hardly uncommon during political speeches, the combination provided fresh material for critics of the Trump-endorsed candidate.

Paxton is competing for a Senate seat in a state that has long favored Republicans in statewide elections, while Talarico is attempting to give Democrats a rare victory in Texas.

This article is made and published by Nicolai H, who may have used AI in the preparation