From Texastribune · · 3m
Texas Senate Race Nears Election Day
Texas Democrat James Talarico and Republican Ken Paxton battle for control of the state in the most expensive U.S. Senate race.
In brief
Texas Democrat James Talarico and Republican Ken Paxton battle for control of the state in the most expensive U.S. Senate race. James Talarico and Ken Paxton are neck-and-neck in Texas's U.S. Senate race, with the outcome potentially reshaping national politics and Texas's political future. Originally reported by…
Texas Senate Race
James Talarico, a 37-year-old Austin Democrat, runs neck-and-neck with Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton in the most expensive U.S. Senate race.
Historic Stakes
The last time a Democrat won statewide in Texas was when James Talarico was in kindergarten, making this race the most critical for a blue Texas.
Election Impact
A Talarico win could reshape the national political map and secure Texas for the 2028 presidential race, while a Paxton victory risks losing the state to the left.
Funding Disparity
Talarico raised more money than any Senate candidate in the country, while Republicans spent $272 million from Elon Musk-funded groups to counter his campaign.
Paxton's Scandals
Paxton faces impeachment by the Texas House over bribery and corruption, a $3.3 million taxpayer cost for his travel, and felony securities fraud charges.
Talarico's Message
Talarico ties a broken economy to billionaire political influence, casting Paxton as the embodiment of corporate corruption and wealth inequality.
Early Voting
Over 7.4 million Texans cast ballots in early voting, exceeding 2022's early votes by 36%, with Republicans warning of disaster if turnout doesn't improve.
Paxton's Campaign
Paxton uses the Alamo as a symbol of Texas conservatism, claiming Talarico would lead to a blue Texas and the loss of conservative identity.
Talarico's Vision
Talarico calls for cross-partisan unity, emphasizing Texas public schools, economy, and families as the state's future.
Campaign Strategies
Talarico focuses on economic inequality and corporate influence, while Paxton targets conservative identity and anti-left sentiment.
Flu-Gate Incident
Talarico's flu diagnosis led to a conspiracy theory that he was institutionalized in Ohio, which he denied with home security camera evidence.
Debate Avoidance
Paxton refused at least four debate invitations from news stations, marking the first U.S. Senate race in Texas since 2000 without a debate.
Election Outcome
The race hinges on turning out Democratic base voters, independents, and Latino voters, with Republicans struggling to secure enough turnout.
Key Figures
Manny Garcia, former Texas Democratic Party executive director, called winning a statewide race in Texas one of the most difficult political challenges in the world.
Campaign Spending
The combined $408 million in advertising since the primaries has fueled a split screen of Texas politics between Talarico and Paxton.
Final Push
As Election Day approaches, Talarico and Paxton crisscross the state to turn out voters, with Paxton announcing a final rally at the Alamo.
The key point
James Talarico and Ken Paxton are neck-and-neck in Texas's U.S. Senate race, with the outcome potentially reshaping national politics and Texas's political future.
