From Newsweek · · 1m 40s
Talarico Skips Sanders Rally as Senate Race Tightens
Talarico skips Sanders Texas rally as Senate polling lead narrows.
In brief
Talarico skips Sanders Texas rally as Senate polling lead narrows. Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico will not attend Bernie Sanders' Texas rally as new polling shows his lead over Republican Ken Paxton shrinking. Originally reported by Newsweek.
Talarico skips Sanders rally
Democratic Texas Senate hopeful James Talarico will not attend Bernie Sanders' rally in El Paso on Monday, October 19.
“Talarico won't attend, his campaign told The New York Times on Wednesday.”
Polling shows narrow lead
A Marist poll found Talarico leading Paxton 47 percent to 45 percent among likely voters with a margin of error of plus or minus 4.9 percentage points.
“Talarico held a four-point lead among registered voters, down from six points a month earlier.”
Talarico's moderate strategy
Talarico has focused on economic issues and shifted positions to appeal to Republicans and independents while distancing himself from socialist labels.
“He calls himself a capitalist and rejects the socialist label Republicans have hung on him.”
Vance criticizes Talarico
Vice President JD Vance called Talarico a threat to Texas' way of life and accused him of losing his mind.
“James Talarico needs to take a week or two to get his own head examined because he's lost his damn mind.”
Paxton's campaign challenges
Paxton criticized Talarico's absence at Trump's San Antonio rally and claimed he hid behind the flu.
“Where do you think they hid that little socialist?”
Race dynamics shift
Talarico has led in 15 of the last 16 polls and outraised Paxton in ZIP codes that previously backed Trump.
“It's still Texas. Still a very tough state for the Democrats.”
Early voting timeline
Early voting runs October 19 through October 30 with Election Day on November 3.
“Early voting runs October 19 through October 30. Election Day is November 3.”
Historical context
Democrats have not won a Senate race in Texas since 1988 with recent candidates like O'Rourke and Allred losing by margins of 2.6 to 8.5 points.
“In 2018, Beto O'Rourke came within about 2.6 points of Senator Ted Cruz.”
Talarico's campaign strategy
Talarico has shifted on past positions including transgenders athletes and energy policy to appeal to a broader coalition.
“I've missed the mark on some of my past statements. I will be the first to admit it.”
Race implications
Talarico's lead has narrowed since mid-September with ad spending exceeding $500 million, potentially making it the most expensive nonpresidential race in U.S. history.
“Ad spending in the contest has passed $500 million, and it could become the most expensive nonpresidential race in U.S. history.”
The takeaway
Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico will not attend Bernie Sanders' Texas rally as new polling shows his lead over Republican Ken Paxton shrinking.
