The race for the U.S. Senate seat in Texas is intensifying as Election Day approaches, with less than two weeks remaining. Recent polling indicates that Democrat James Talarico holds a narrow one-point lead over Republican Ken Paxton, prompting both candidates to ramp up their campaigning efforts across the state.
During a campaign event in Georgetown as part of his “Come and Take It” bus tour, Paxton urged his supporters to participate in early voting and highlighted his past legal battles and economic initiatives, including his “Protecting the Texas Promise Plan.” Meanwhile, Talarico, campaigning in San Antonio on his “Clear Eyes, Full Hearts” tour, focused on bipartisan opposition to Paxton and made pledges to reform campaign financing, eliminate gerrymandering, and establish term limits.
Paxton’s Rally in Georgetown
In Georgetown, Paxton emphasized the importance of the upcoming election, framing it as a pivotal moment not just for Texas, but for the entire nation. “This isn’t just red versus blue; it’s the America our founders gave us versus something that they would never recognize,” he told his audience. He asserted that losing Texas would equate to losing America.
He also directed criticism at Talarico, specifically regarding the latter’s views on religion. “Talarico believes that God is non-binary. I’m still looking for that in the Bible,” Paxton remarked, underscoring the personal nature of the campaign attacks.
Highlighting his achievements as Attorney General, Paxton referenced his legal confrontations with various corporations and federal administrations. He also promoted his economic plan, which includes a $25,000 deduction for medical expenses and a “healthy living deduction” for fitness-related costs. “I’m going to fight so that every Texan can buy a home, raise a family, and live a healthy life without struggling to make ends meet,” he stated.
Talarico’s Grassroots Focus in San Antonio
In contrast, Talarico presented his campaign as a grassroots movement against established political interests, emphasizing his refusal to accept corporate funding. “Ken Paxton represents everything that’s wrong with our politics. He doesn’t serve us, he serves himself,” Talarico declared, positioning himself as a candidate for those who feel marginalized by the political system.
He reminded his audience of Paxton’s impeachment by the Texas House, which received bipartisan support, and championed a platform aimed at reforming government practices. Talarico’s proposals include congressional term limits, an end to gerrymandering, and a ban on corporate PACs and super PACs. “This election is a battle between the powers that be and the powers that ought to be,” he asserted, rallying support from teachers, nurses, farmers, and ranchers.
Despite the historical challenges facing Democrats in Texas—having not won a statewide office since 1994—Talarico expressed a hopeful outlook. “On November 3, we are going to do something extraordinary. We are gonna shock the nation, shock the world, when we beat the billionaires and take back Texas,” he proclaimed.
Upcoming Campaign Events
Looking ahead, both candidates are set to continue their statewide campaigns. Talarico has plans to visit El Paso, while Paxton will head to Amarillo to engage with voters in West Texas.
