From Texastribune · · 1m 40s
Texas Senate Race Focuses on Energy Costs
Texas Senate candidates Paxton and Talarico pledge to lower energy costs amid rising prices.
In brief
Texas Senate candidates Paxton and Talarico pledge to lower energy costs amid rising prices. Texas Senate candidates Paxton and Talarico promise to reduce energy costs as prices rise. Originally reported by Texastribune.
Texas Energy Landscape
Texas produced 43% of U.S. crude oil in 2025, about 5.8 million barrels daily.
Rising Energy Costs
U.S. energy prices increased over 30% in five years, according to Electric Choice data.
Senate Race Dynamics
State Rep. James Talarico and Attorney General Ken Paxton compete for one of Texas’s two U.S. Senate seats.
Data Center Debate
Texas has nearly 400 data centers requiring 17 terawatt-hours of electricity annually, powering 1.6 million homes.
Paxton’s Data Center Plan
Paxton proposed banning Chinese tech from U.S. data centers and holding companies liable for child safety harms.
Paxton’s Tax Exemptions
Paxton voted in 2013 to grant data centers sales tax exemptions costing Texas billions in revenue.
Talarico’s Data Center Stance
Talarico called for data centers to fund their own infrastructure and local community approval for construction.
Paxton’s Fraud Case
Paxton was charged in 2015 with persuading investors to buy $100,000 worth of stock at a data center startup without disclosure.
Gas Prices Spiking
Nationally, gasoline prices have jumped over a dollar since last year, reaching $4.30 to $4.40 per gallon.
Federal Gas Tax Debate
Talarico wants temporary federal gas tax end, while Paxton seeks permanent removal by 2026.
LIHEAP Shortfalls
Over 38 million households nationwide are LIHEAP eligible, but only 15% receive assistance.
Climate Policy Divide
Paxton blocks federal climate regulations, while Talarico supports emissions cuts and climate education.
The big picture
Texas Senate candidates Paxton and Talarico promise to reduce energy costs as prices rise.
