Fort Worth and Houston saw the last major campaign rallies for the 2026 Texas Senate race on Saturday, as Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton and Democrat state Rep. James Talarico made final appeals to voters before Election Day.
Paxton’s Fort Worth rally focuses on family and the economy
Speaking at Cullen Yards, a restored 1950s warehouse in Fort Worth, Paxton urged supporters to pray for Texas and its leaders before urging them to get out and vote. He framed the contest as a choice between competing visions for Texas and the nation, warning that his opponent’s policies would undermine the state’s economy and conservative values.
Paxton acknowledged the rising cost of groceries, gasoline and electricity, noting that many Texans feel their paychecks are not keeping pace. He promoted his “Protecting the Texas Promise” plan, which would expand tax deductions for medical expenses, home purchases and certain health‑related spending, and increase the child tax credit. “I’m going to fight so every Texan can buy a home, raise a family and live a healthy life without struggling to make ends meet,” he said.
He also attacked Talarico for supporting higher taxes and policies that could hurt the oil and gas industry, calling the Democrat “a radical who has never met a tax increase he didn’t love.” Paxton added that the election will determine whether Texas follows the founding principles of the United States or a direction the founders would not recognize.
Talarico’s Houston concert appeals to working families
In Houston, Talarico headlined a rally and community concert at the Bayou Music Center as part of his “Clear Eyes, Full Hearts” tour. He portrayed his campaign as an underdog effort, urging volunteers that they have three days left to win the election.
Talarico criticized Paxton’s ethics record, labeling the attorney general “the most corrupt politician in Texas” and accusing him of enriching himself while ordinary Texans face higher prices. He highlighted personal stories of a Houston grandmother facing eviction and a Port Arthur restaurant owner struggling to stay open, linking the affordability crisis to a corruption crisis.
He also reached out to Republicans uneasy with Paxton, praising the GOP lawmakers who voted to impeach the attorney general in 2023 before the state Senate acquitted him. Talarico warned that billionaire Elon Musk and other wealthy donors are attempting to buy political influence at the expense of ordinary Texans.
Early voting sets record, race remains tight
Early‑voting turnout across Texas has already surpassed 7.1 million in‑person ballots, a record for a non‑presidential election year. Both campaigns are now focused on getting their supporters to the polls on Tuesday, with spending in the race topping $500 million over the past year, according to campaign finance reports.
The outcome of this Senate contest will affect partisan control of the U.S. Senate, making the final weekend of campaigning crucial for both parties.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
