Willow Park, Texas – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton took to the podium at Willow Park Baptist Church on Tuesday to reassure Republican voters that the battle for the state’s long‑held U.S. Senate seat remains winnable. Paxton framed the contest as a fight for Texas’ future, urging supporters to vote and donate generously.
Paxton attacks Democratic opponent
During his remarks, Paxton labeled Democrat James Talarico a “socialist” who, in his view, wants to raise taxes, allow girls to compete in boys’ sports, and dismantle the state’s oil and gas industry. “As President Trump said, they just skipped socialism and went straight to communism,” Paxton quoted the former president, underscoring the ideological stakes.
Fundraising and campaign effort
Paxton pledged to work “18 hours a day” on the campaign, traveling across the state to rally volunteers and raise money. He said his “Protecting the Texas Promise” tour, which began in Allen last month, is designed to keep the seat in Republican hands. “If Republicans turn out to vote, we will win,” he declared.
Intra‑party tension
The Attorney General’s aggressive push follows criticism from his former primary rival, Sen. John Cornyn, who called Paxton a “lazy” candidate and warned that a contested nomination could drain resources in a state where Democrats have not won a statewide race in 32 years. Paxton dismissed Cornyn’s remarks, noting that the former senator “doesn’t know my schedule.”
Why the race matters
Paxton warned that losing the Senate seat would have national repercussions. “If we lose Texas, we’ve lost the country,” he said, adding that the balance of power in Washington hinges on the outcome. The race is shaping up as a litmus test for the Trump‑aligned agenda in Texas, including the administration’s tax policies and border‑security priorities.
Democratic counter‑message
Meanwhile, Talarico, a state representative, campaigned in San Antonio and Arlington, urging Texans to unite against what he described as an out‑of‑touch billionaire class. He highlighted rising costs for groceries, gas, utilities, and health care, positioning himself as a champion for working families.
What voters need to know
Republicans are being asked to turn out in large numbers and contribute financially to keep the seat in GOP hands. The election will be decided by a combination of grassroots mobilization, fundraising, and the ability to frame the race as a defense of Texas’ economic and cultural values.
As the campaign intensifies, both sides are emphasizing the high stakes for Texas and the nation, making this Senate contest one of the most closely watched races of the 2026 election cycle.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
