Talarico and Paxton Battle for Texas U.S. Senate Seat
Democratic candidate James Talarico and Republican Ken Paxton intensify their campaigns as early voting concludes its first week in a high-stakes Texas U.S. Senate race.
Early voting for the November 3 midterm elections is underway in Texas, featuring a tight U.S. Senate race between Democratic candidate James Talarico and Republican candidate Ken Paxton. The contest has drawn national attention as a potential deciding factor in the balance of power in the U.S. Senate.
On October 25, Talarico held a rally at the 1902 Nightclub in San Antonio as part of his Clear Eyes, Full Hearts tour, joined by actress Eva Longoria. He focused his messaging on the cost of living and the influence of billionaires in politics. Simultaneously, Paxton campaigned in New Braunfels and Georgetown alongside Senator Ted Cruz, who framed the election as a critical battle for the future of the country.
Paxton, the current Attorney General of Texas, entered the race after winning the Republican primary over Senator John Cornyn. His candidacy follows a 2023 impeachment by House Republicans over corruption allegations, from which he was acquitted by the state Senate, and a Department of Justice investigation into bribery and abuse of office that ended without federal charges.
Party chairs Kendall Scudder and D'rinda Randall recently discussed the conclusion of the first week of early voting, noting the absence of debates in major races and the potential impact of campaign visits from President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Democrats are seeking a statewide victory in Texas, a goal that has remained elusive for more than 30 years.
