Trump Urges Texas Senate Candidates to Debate Amid Tight Race

President Donald Trump called for a debate between Republican nominee Ken Paxton and Democratic candidate James Talarico for Texas's open U.S. Senate seat. In a Truth Social post, Trump claimed Talarico was "MISSING IN ACTION" and urged him to face Paxton, whom he described as "ready, willing, and able." Talarico, who had been absent from the campaign trail due to the flu, accepted the challenge and noted he had previously agreed to multiple debates that Paxton avoided, including one offered by Fox News.

During a campaign rally in San Antonio, Trump supported Paxton and defended rising gas prices as a "small price to pay" to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. However, leaked audio reveals Paxton privately believes the war in Iran and soaring fuel prices are the biggest problems for his campaign. This internal tension comes as Trump and his national security team discuss the possibility of resuming large-scale military operations or strikes in Iran before the midterm elections.

As the November 3rd election approaches, polls indicate Paxton is trailing Talarico, partly due to voter opposition to inflationary tariffs backed by both Trump and Paxton. While Paxton has labeled Talarico as being "bought and paid for by the Democratic Socialists," his campaign has not committed to a debate date, with spokesperson Nick Maddux stating they would not negotiate through Talarico's press shop.