Houston attorney Dan Cogdell says he didn't anticipate reaction to Talarico endorsement

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Houston Attorney Dan Cogdell says he did not anticipate the amount of attention he would receive for endorsing a candidate in the US Senate race in Texas.

Cogdell was Ken Paxton's criminal defense attorney for years, and he successfully represented him as part of a team of lawyers in his impeachment trial. But he publicly endorsed Paxton's opponent in the U.S. Senate race, James Talarico.

"It wasn't so much a decision against Paxton as it was for Talarico," Cogdell told ABC13. "I never knew anybody would care about me as much as they apparently have. It's a shock to me that anybody gives a damn. I was taken aback by that. And I don't know whether to be impressed or annoyed with how much attention it's gotten. But it is what it is."

Paxton's campaign told ABC13 of Cogdell, "He's a Democrat. Least surprising thing that has happened."

Cogdell said his choice was not about party.

"I don't really consider myself a Democrat or a Republican," Cogdell said. "I'm a moderate. I have raised far more money for Republican candidates and donated far more money for Republican candidates than I have Democrats, so I don't really care about the label. I'm a criminal defense lawyer. If I cared what people thought about me, I chose the wrong gig."

State Representative Ann Johnson faced off against Cogdell when she helped the Texas House prosecute its impeachment case against Paxton in 2023. Paxton was acquitted of all charges.

"I'm not surprised that it made news," Johnson said. "There are two people that probably know him best. His wife and his longtime criminal defense lawyer, and both of them have walked away from him, effectively."

Ultimately, though, do endorsements matter? ABC13 spoke with SMU political science professor Cal Jillson.

"It's like fundraising. You need enough money to make your case, you'd rather have endorsements than not have them, but they're not going to win you the election," Jillson said. "So this is a story that you and I are interested in, and following a little bit, but for most voters, it will not penetrate."

Cogdell said he has not spoken with Paxton about his change of heart.

"I did not call him before," Cogdell said. "I have not called him after. I suspect I am not going to get a Christmas card this year or next year."

Cogdell said he and his wife have given the maximum contribution now to both campaigns. Recently donating enough to match what they'd previously given to Paxton, who announced his campaign for the Senate more than a year ago.

Paxton received the endorsement of President Donald Trump ahead of the primary runoff election day, which, in part, helped him secure the Republican nomination. Paxton handily defeated longtime incumbent Senator John Cornyn.