Texas Democrat Talarico challenges Republican Paxton for Senate seat

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 11:08 · Archive

Democrat James Talarico is running a competitive campaign against Republican Ken Paxton for a Texas Senate seat. Polls are giving Talarico a narrow lead. Paxton, a Trump-backed Republican, has been weighed down by scandal, including an impeachment by his own party in the Texas legislature, though he was later acquitted.

Talarico, a former teacher and state lawmaker who became the youngest member of the Texas House of Representatives at 29 in 2018, is a Christian progressive who argues the Republican right has betrayed the faith it claims to defend. He has framed American politics as a clash between the ultrawealthy and everyone else.

The race has become one of the nation's most expensive. Over $158 million in outside spending has backed Paxton, partly from Elon Musk and Republican leadership. Despite this, Talarico's campaign has raised record sums and outpaced Paxton's in direct fundraising from donors. If Talarico wins, he would be the first Democrat to capture a statewide office in Texas in over 30 years.

How it is being reported

• Texas Democrat casts himself as David against Elon Musk’s $168 million Goliath in Senate showdownShould he win, Talarico would become the first Democrat to capture a statewide office in Texas in over 30 yearsIndependent World · 16 Oct, 10:37
• The Bible-quoting Democrat threatening to strike a humiliating blow against TrumpAndrew Egger: James Talarico has a chance to end generations of Republican dominance in TexasThe i Paper · 16 Oct, 06:00

In this story: James Talarico · Ken Paxton · Elon Musk · Texas

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