“I am not worried about James Talarico.”
Given the questions surrounding his past, Talarico would likely be a significantly easier opponent for Paxton to defeat than Crockett would have been had Democrats chosen her as their nominee.
I think you have it backwards. Paxton, no matter his bona fides as a conservative, has plenty of baggage that will not appeal to many conservative voters, and while they are highly unlikely to vote for a heretical “pastor” like Talarico they could very well just stay home, and that would hurt Republicans down ballot as well. I yield to no one in my wish to get rid of super RINO Cornyn, but Talarico is dangerous, and the Stupid Party better get their act together or we’re looking at a senator that will vote like AOC while selectively quoting the Bible. Please note, I have never before wished so fervently to be proven wrong. To be continued after the midterm election.