Overview
- On Thursday, James Talarico publicly urged Ken Paxton to take part in three televised debates and Talarico’s campaign said he had accepted invitations from Nexstar/KXAN, NBC/ Hearst Texas, and WFAA; Paxton’s campaign responded that he will debate and is engaging with potential hosts.
- Polls show the Texas Senate contest is essentially tied, making the debates likely to be a major moment for persuading undecided voters and energizing turnout in a race that could affect control of the U.S. Senate.
- Both campaigns are staking out border security as a central issue with Paxton emphasizing a general ‘secure border’ message on a rare campaign stop in McAllen and Talarico offering specific proposals for more Border Patrol agents, more immigration judges, targeted technology and limited physical barriers.
- Talarico has pressed Paxton on ethics and prosecutorial decisions by criticizing a plea deal in the Adam Hoffman case, but a family spokesperson publicly disputed Talarico’s claim that his team had directly contacted the victim’s relatives.
- Fundraising and outside money are shaping the contest with Talarico holding a multi‑million dollar cash lead and allied super PACs far better funded than Paxton’s, prompting national Republican groups to mobilize resources for the GOP effort.