Texas – Texas Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico has intensified his campaign against Republican opponent Ken Paxton, using both policy and personal attacks to draw a contrast between the two candidates as the race enters a critical stage.
Speaking during his acceptance speech at the Texas Democratic Convention last week, Talarico argued that being a Texan is defined by values rather than birthplace, while taking aim at Paxton’s childhood ties to California.
“I believe anyone can be a Texan,” Talarico told convention attendees. “It doesn’t matter if you’re an eighth-generation Texan like me or a California transplant like Ken Paxton.”
He continued by saying, “Listen, what makes a Texan is not in the boots or in the truck. It’s deep in the heart. These billionaires and their puppets have the wrong state of mind. Their hearts and their dreams are just not big enough.”
The remarks reflected a broader theme of Talarico’s campaign, which has focused on portraying Paxton as a politician more closely aligned with wealthy donors than everyday Texans. Throughout his convention speech, Talarico accused Republican leadership of using cultural issues to distract voters from economic concerns and what he described as corruption in state government, Houston Chronicle reported.
Talarico’s reference to Paxton as a “California transplant” also represented an unusual political strategy. For years, Republicans have frequently accused Democratic candidates of attempting to “California” Texas. By highlighting Paxton’s own childhood in California, Talarico sought to reverse that line of attack. Paxton, who was born in North Dakota and spent part of his youth in California because his father served in the U.S. Air Force, later defended his background, saying he was proud to have grown up in a military family that moved around the country. His campaign also criticized Talarico’s remarks, arguing they were disrespectful to military families whose children relocate because of military service, The Texas Tribune reported.
The Democratic nominee renewed his criticism just days later after reports surfaced that Paxton had traveled to Iceland during the Senate campaign.
On June 30, Talarico posted on X that, “Ken Paxton was impeached for taking bribes from donors. He became a multi-millionaire on a government salary. He takes lavish vacations in Iceland while Texans can’t afford the basics. Ken Paxton doesn’t serve us — he serves himself.”
The post followed reporting by the Daily Mail, which published photographs and video that it said showed Paxton boarding a flight to Reykjavik, Iceland, accompanied by Christian author and influencer Tracy Duhon, who has been widely reported as his alleged girlfriend. The trip reportedly took place just before the Fourth of July holiday as the Senate campaign continued. Paxton’s campaign did not immediately comment on the report.
Paxton has remained one of the most controversial figures in Texas politics. In 2023, he was impeached by the Texas House on multiple articles alleging, among other things, bribery and abuse of office. He was later acquitted by the Texas Senate and remained in office as attorney general. The impeachment and subsequent acquittal continue to feature prominently in political messaging from both parties.
With the November election approaching, both candidates have sought to define the race on sharply different terms. Talarico has centered much of his campaign on economic fairness, ethics and political influence, while Paxton has continued to campaign as a conservative ally of President Donald Trump and emphasized issues such as immigration, public safety and traditional values.
Recent polling has suggested the contest is highly competitive, making it one of the most closely watched Senate races in the country. As the campaign continues, Democrats are expected to keep highlighting Paxton’s legal controversies and personal conduct, while Republicans are likely to focus on Talarico’s progressive positions and legislative record.
