Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico brought his campaign to Central Texas over the weekend, rallying supporters in Leander as he seeks to unseat Republican nominee Ken Paxton in one of the state’s most closely watched races.
Talarico, a state representative from Round Rock and former public school teacher, spoke to supporters about issues including education, healthcare affordability and government accountability. During the event, he encouraged voters to become involved in the campaign as Democrats look to compete for a Senate seat that has remained in Republican hands for decades.
The Leander stop comes just days after Paxton defeated longtime U.S. Sen. John Cornyn in the Republican primary runoff, securing the GOP nomination for November’s general election. Paxton, who is serving his third term as Texas attorney general, received backing from former President Donald Trump during the primary and has quickly consolidated support from many prominent Texas Republicans following his victory.
The race is expected to feature stark contrasts between the two candidates.
Talarico has built his campaign around public education, economic issues and what he describes as a message of integrity and service. A fourth-term member of the Texas House, he has gained attention statewide for his speeches on education policy and his efforts to appeal to both Democrats and moderate voters.
Paxton, meanwhile, has campaigned as a conservative fighter aligned with the MAGA movement. During his tenure as attorney general, he has become a national figure through legal challenges involving immigration, election law and federal government policies. Supporters view him as a staunch defender of conservative values, while critics point to his legal controversies and impeachment proceedings as reasons for concern.
Both campaigns have already begun trading attacks as they prepare for the general election. Talarico has criticized Paxton’s record and ethics, while Republicans have sought to portray Talarico as out of step with many Texas voters on key issues.
The contest is expected to draw national attention and significant outside spending as Democrats look for opportunities to expand their Senate map and Republicans work to maintain control of a seat that has historically favored the GOP. Election Day is scheduled for Nov. 3.
