Early voting began Monday, Oct. 19, and three top‑of‑the‑ticket Republicans gathered in Fort Worth to remind voters why Tarrant County remains crucial to the state’s future. Governor Greg Abbott, Attorney General Ken Paxton and U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico each addressed packed crowds, emphasizing the need to preserve Texas’s conservative principles and keep the county red.
Republican Unity in Fort Worth
“Tarrant County really is the battleground county for our state—how valuable, how important the votes are from here,” said Tim Davis, chair of the Tarrant County GOP. Abbott echoed that sentiment at Old Texas Brewing Co., telling supporters, “I told y’all one thing at the beginning of the campaign, and that is I would ensure that Republicans win Tarrant County. Together, we’re going to keep Tarrant County red. We’re going to keep Texas red.” He also highlighted his plan to make Texas the most affordable state, noting a property‑tax relief proposal that could save the average family $4,000 per year.
Paxton, who began his day campaigning in Allen, wrapped up with a rally at T&P Station in downtown Fort Worth. He warned that a loss for Republicans would threaten the nation’s future, stating, “If we lose Texas, we lose America.” Paxton also pledged to take on big‑pharma and big‑food in the Senate, promising to “Make America Healthy Again.”
Democratic Counter‑Message
Democratic challenger Gina Hinojosa was not on the ground Monday, but her supporters gathered across the street, chanting, “Fire Greg Abbott. Save our schools.” Hinojosa’s campaign spokesperson Tommy Kubitschek said the governor’s refusal to debate her on education policy has spurred strong grassroots opposition. “It is ground zero for the school fight that is happening in Texas,” Kubitschek added, referencing the state’s recent intervention in Fort Worth ISD.
James Talarico, the Democratic Senate nominee, addressed a crowd of supporters at North Crowley High School. He framed his campaign around affordability, saying, “We have an affordability crisis because we have a corruption crisis,” and called for common‑sense immigration reform that secures the border while offering a viable path to citizenship for law‑abiding immigrants.
Local Perspectives
Harold Parkey, a 77‑year‑old Vietnam veteran, attended the Hinojosa rally, citing public‑education funding as his primary concern. “Public education is my biggest reason for supporting her,” he said, criticizing Abbott’s handling of schools.
Sarah Gates, a Fort Worth resident waiting in line at Crowley ISD’s stadium, explained that Talarico’s stance on immigration gave her hope for her friends and family who are not from America. “He gives me so much hope for them and for their future here,” she said.
Election Context
Tarrant County, the largest Republican‑held county in Texas, has become more competitive in recent cycles. While President Donald Trump won the county with 51.82% in 2024, a January 2025 runoff for the vacant Texas Senate seat saw Democrat Taylor Rehmet win by 14 points in a district Trump had carried by 17 points, underscoring the county’s shifting dynamics.
Political science professor Keith Gaddie of Texas Christian University called Tarrant County “potentially the most competitive large urban county in the state of Texas,” noting that candidates from both parties are focusing their early‑voting efforts here.
Early voting runs Oct. 19‑30, with Election Day set for Nov. 3. Voters can check registration and find polling locations through the county’s official website.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
