From Vox · Jolie Myers · · 1m 50s
Republicans target Texas Senate race with masculinity campaign
Texas GOP tries to frame Senate race as 'manliness' battle against Democratic candidate James Talarico.
In brief
Texas GOP tries to frame Senate race as 'manliness' battle against Democratic candidate James Talarico. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's campaign focuses on masculinity to attack Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico, but voters prioritize economic issues over cultural messaging. Originally reported by Vox.
Paxton's first ad
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton accused Democratic state Rep. James Talarico of being 'too low-t' in his first Senate campaign ad.
“Too Low-T for Texas”
Trump's masculinity strategy
Trump played to the 'manosphere' during his 2024 campaign by appearing on bro-y podcasts and using a macho image.
“manosphere”
Republican attacks on Talarico
Republicans accused Talarico of being gay, vegan, and supportive of trans athletes in their masculinity campaign.
“he’s not man enough”
Voter reactions
Some voters said they don’t care about Talarico’s gender identity and want economic issues addressed instead.
“i don’t care if talarico’s gay or not”
Economic concerns
Voters prioritize gas prices and housing costs over cultural messaging in 2026.
“people are mad about other things”
Polling data
Most recent polling shows Talarico leading with the Cook Political Report calling the race a toss-up.
“toss-up”
Paxton's credibility
Paxton's wife filed for divorce on 'biblical grounds' listing adultery as the reason.
“biblical grounds”
Republican women's response
Texas Federation of Republican Women president Jill Tate urged Republicans to vote for the team rather than one candidate.
“vote for ken paxton despite ken paxton”
Strategic shift
Democrats focus on affordability to counter Republican masculinity messaging.
“they’re understanding that their salaries aren’t going as far”
Historical context
Texas last elected a Democratic senator in 1988, but Talarico has a real shot at breaking Republican dominance.
“1988”
Campaign effectiveness
Paxton's masculinity campaign may not work as voters prioritize economic issues over cultural messaging.
“it’s still the economy stupid”
Key message
Talarico's focus on affordability is breaking through to voters who care about cost of living.
“they like that somebody’s talking to them about the cost of groceries”
What happens next
Talarico could break decades of Republican dominance in Texas Senate race if economic messaging resonates.
“democrats might have a chance”
What it means
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's campaign focuses on masculinity to attack Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico, but voters prioritize economic issues over cultural messaging.
