At the Texas Democratic Convention, James Talarico and Gina Hinojosa led the charge with speeches focusing on populist economic politics and accusing Republicans of distracting from corruption and the hollowing out of the middle class.

Talarico and Hinojosa’s Message

Talarico, the Democratic U.S. Senate nominee, criticized billionaire political influence and Attorney General Ken Paxton, labeling him as the “most corrupt politician in America” and a “puppet” of GOP megadonors. Hinojosa, the Democratic nominee for governor, made a similar case against Gov. Greg Abbott, accusing him of being beholden to wealthy donors and making working Texans worse off.

Both Democrats emphasized the need to address corruption and the influence of big-money interests in politics. Talarico has sworn off corporate PAC donations and has made banning super PACs, partisan gerrymandering, and congressional stock trading a key part of his platform.

Republican Response

Texas Republicans have pushed back, arguing that Democrats are pushing a “socialist” policy agenda that would drive up costs if they were given power. Abbott’s campaign launched a website, “RadicalTexas,” attacking Democrats for their positions on property taxes, education, immigration, and public safety.

Original reporting: Texas Tribune (HLL/CB) — read the source article.