Mark Cuban is taking heat for calling California's taxes unlivable while backing a Texas Senate candidate who wants higher taxes on the rich — a credibility problem for a billionaire who often plays both sides.

• Cuban said his daughter can't afford Los Angeles because taxes there are too high, then minutes later endorsed Texas Democrat James Talarico.
• Pressed on X, Cuban said he votes selfishly by office — a state wealth tax would lose his vote, but a Senate run doesn't affect him.
• Critics point out Talarico still wants to raise federal taxes on billionaires, which Cuban couldn't escape by living in Texas.
• Cuban's own reply shifted the subject to the national debt and interest costs, saying nobody in office is dealing with it.
• Part of the fight is personal: Cuban has feuded for years with Texas Republican senators.

Outlook: The Texas Senate race looks close, with Ken Paxton carrying corruption baggage and Talarico leaning on out-of-state donors to stay competitive.