Dallas – As early voting opens on Oct. 19, the Texas Senate race between Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton and Democrat state Rep. James Talarico has entered a decisive phase. The contest is being driven by three forces: President Trump’s active support, a flood of campaign cash, and the battle to mobilize infrequent voters.
Trump factor
President Trump concluded a two‑day MAGA rally‑fundraiser in Dallas with a clear endorsement of Paxton. “I’ll be coming back to Texas, because we have to elect Ken Paxton,” Trump said, adding a light‑hearted jab about Paxton’s attire before praising him as “our greatest attorney general” and urging voters to back him for the Senate.
Paxton took the remarks in stride, describing the president’s jokes as “kind of funny” and emphasizing that the banter is part of their shared camaraderie. “He kind of jokes around with people that he cares about,” Paxton told Bloomberg.
Republicans are counting on Trump’s endorsement to energize MAGA supporters who have been less reliable when the president is not on the ballot. Democrats, meanwhile, are framing the race as a referendum on the administration’s policies.
Money battle
Fundraising totals highlight the financial divide. Paxton’s campaign and affiliated entities raised about $9 million in the last quarter, while Talarico’s side has collected roughly $30 million. The disparity has allowed the Democrat to dominate summer airwaves with introductory ads.
National GOP groups are stepping in to narrow the gap. Trump‑aligned super PAC MAGA Inc. announced a $10 million advertising push, and the Senate Leadership Fund pledged more than $10 million. Additional contributions are coming from Elon Musk’s America PAC and other Republican allies.
Turnout test
Early voting will be a crucial test of each campaign’s ability to mobilize voters who do not habitually cast ballots. At the Dallas convention, Trump urged attendees to raise their right hands and pledge to bring friends and relatives to the polls, warning, “You know what happens if you don’t vote? You go to hell.” Democrats responded with a food‑drive event aimed at highlighting public service and contrasting it with what they called the “billionaire ball” of the GOP gathering.
Coalition building
Paxton must unite the GOP after a bruising primary and runoff against former Sen. John Cornyn. His strategy focuses on retaining rural and MAGA voters, holding suburban support, and expanding among Hispanic voters. The Dallas convention emphasized Trump’s movement, offering few explicit appeals to moderate Republicans or Cornyn loyalists.
Talarico is pursuing a dual‑front approach: strong urban margins combined with continued gains in suburban counties such as Collin. He has secured endorsements from more than 20 current and former GOP legislators, judges, and local officials, seeking to broaden his appeal beyond the Democratic base.
Policy contrast
Both candidates have outlined distinct policy platforms. Paxton recently unveiled an economic plan that includes new tax breaks for health‑care expenses, housing down‑payments, and family benefits. Talarico’s platform calls for higher taxes on billionaires and corporations, a raised minimum wage, and a federal public health insurance program. They also differ on abortion rights, gun laws, immigration, and LGBTQ rights.
Debates remain a point of contention. Talarico has accepted invitations to three televised debates, while Paxton’s campaign has not committed to any dates, accusing Talarico of seeking a “bunch of CNN reporters” as hosts. Paxton indicated a willingness to work something out before the campaign concludes, emphasizing the importance of meeting Texans on the campaign trail.
Looking ahead
The race will likely shape which party controls the Senate for the final two years of President Trump’s term. With both money and messaging intensifying, the next weeks will test each campaign’s ability to translate enthusiasm into votes. Early voting will be the first real gauge of whether Trump’s endorsement and the influx of GOP advertising can offset Talarico’s fundraising advantage.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
