On the final day before Texas voters cast their ballots, the two leading candidates for the U.S. Senate are making hometown appearances. Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton will address supporters in North Dallas, while Democrat James Talarico hosts an election‑night watch party in downtown Austin. Both events will be covered live by Community Impact reporters.
Candidate backgrounds and key issues
Paxton, 63, has served as Texas attorney general since 2015 after a twelve‑year stint in the state legislature. He is running on an endorsement from President Donald Trump and a record of suing the Biden administration. His campaign emphasizes border security, reduced government spending and “conservative values”.
Talarico, 37, is a former middle‑school teacher and Presbyterian seminarian who was first elected to the Texas House in 2018. He is campaigning on lowering the cost of living, removing big‑money influence from politics, and improving public education, health care, data‑center development and public safety.
Local events on Election Day
In Austin, Talarico’s watch party will gather supporters in the downtown area, offering a chance for voters to hear his final remarks and ask questions. In North Dallas, Paxton’s rally will feature remarks on his vision for Texas and a celebration of his Trump endorsement.
Round Rock will also see Libertarian candidates Ted Brown and Pat Dixon appear at a joint event hosted by the Travis and Williamson County Libertarian Parties, providing voters with a broader view of third‑party options.
What’s at stake
The winner of the Nov. 3 election will fill the seat vacated by Sen. John Cornyn, who served 24 years before losing his primary to Paxton earlier this year. The new senator‑elect will serve alongside Republican Sen. Ted Cruz.
Should Talarico win, he would leave the Texas House, ending his legislative term regardless of the Senate outcome. Paxton, meanwhile, will vacate the attorney‑general’s office after the election.
Campaign finance snapshot
According to ad‑tracking firm AdImpact, the Texas Senate race has become the most expensive non‑presidential contest in U.S. history, with candidates and outside groups spending $573 million on advertising as of Oct. 30.
Historical context
Republicans currently hold all statewide offices in Texas, and no Democrat has won a statewide race since 1994. The last Democratic U.S. senator from Texas was elected in 1988, when Sen. Lloyd Bentsen won re‑election.
Where to follow the results
Community Impact will update this story with early‑voting totals, mail‑in counts and live Election‑Day results as they become available. Unofficial results will be posted until the final canvass is completed. For a full voter guide covering federal, state and local races in more than 70 Texas communities, visit communityimpact.com/voter-guide.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Denton — read the source article.
