James Talarico, a Democratic candidate for the Texas Senate, has called out his Republican opponent, Ken Paxton, for a televised debate. Talarico proposed this during the Texas Tribune Festival held in Austin. He suggested Bret Baier on Fox News as the host, stating Paxton has been avoiding previous debates.
Paxton, the state Attorney General, has yet to schedule a debate despite earlier comments from his adviser suggesting willingness. Both campaigns were contacted for comment by Newsweek via email outside of office hours.
Key Issues in the Debate
The potential debate could focus on various key voter issues, with advantages for each candidate emerging in different areas:
Inflation/Economy
Advantage: Talarico
A Texas Politics Project survey identified inflation as a top concern for 19% of respondents. A YouGov poll showed 41% of voters believe Democrats manage the economy better than Republicans. These points could benefit Talarico during the debate.
Ethics and Trust
Advantage: Talarico
Many Texans are concerned about political corruption, an area where Paxton faces challenges. The Texas House impeached Paxton in May 2023 on charges of public trust abuse. Although found not guilty by the state Senate, the impeachment has affected his reputation.
Immigration
Advantage: Paxton
Immigration remains a contentious topic. A Univision/YouGov survey showed 49% approval of Trump’s handling of immigration. This approval could enhance Paxton’s position in the debate.
Health Care
Advantage: Talarico
Health care will likely be another focal point. A Texas Public Opinion Research poll indicated strong support for Medicaid expansion. Talarico emphasizes health care access in his campaign, promising to protect Medicare and Social Security.
Christianity
Advantage: Paxton
In Texas, where Christianity plays a significant role, Paxton might question Talarico’s past religious statements. Talarico, a Presbyterian, has made remarks about Christianity that Paxton could use to his advantage.
Latest Polls and Campaign Developments
Talarico currently leads Paxton in several polls, though many are within the margin of error. In response to various campaign accusations, both Paxton and Talarico have engaged in sharp exchanges on social media.
Financing the Campaigns
Talarico has significantly outraised Paxton, gathering $31.6 million compared to Paxton’s $9.3 million, as per Federal Election Commission filings. These financial disparities could influence how each candidate campaigns leading up to the election.
Impact of the Race
The 2026 Texas Senate race is crucial for both parties. A win in Texas would mark a significant shift for Democrats, aiming to gain control of the Senate. Historically, Texas has been a Republican stronghold, having last elected a Democratic senator in 1988.