Candidates Initiate Final Sprint Across Texas
Democrat James Talarico and Republican Ken Paxton have launched statewide campaign tours as the race for the U.S. Senate in Texas enters its final phase ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Both candidates are conducting high-energy roadshows that cover between 18 and 21 stops across major urban centers and smaller towns throughout the state.
Talarico began his two-week, 21-stop tour on Oct. 18 with a rally in Plano. His campaign slogan, "Clear Eyes, Full Hearts," references the Texas high-school football drama depicted in the television series "Friday Night Lights." The itinerary includes visits to several educational institutions, including the University of North Texas, the University of Houston, the University of Texas at Austin, Texas Tech University, and North Crowley High School.
Talarico’s tour finale includes a concert in San Antonio on Nov. 1 and a closing performance at the University of Texas in Austin on Nov. 2.
Paxton opened his campaign efforts with a rally in Rockwall on Oct. 17. His tour slogan, "Come and Take It," evokes a chant from the Texas Revolution. Paxton announced an ambitious 18-day push featuring more than 30 stops, although his website currently lists only 13 forthcoming events.
Paxton’s planned route includes visits to Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, Austin, El Paso, Amarillo, Lubbock, Odessa, San Angelo, Abilene, Wichita Falls, Brownsville, McAllen, Laredo, Corpus Christi, Victoria, Tyler, and Beaumont. His tour is scheduled to culminate at the Alamo on Nov. 2.
Survey Data Shows Tight Race With Youth Support for Talarico
Polling data indicates a competitive contest between the two candidates. RealClearPolling aggregates show Talarico ahead by a modest 2.2 percentage points.
A CBS News/YouGov survey conducted between Oct. 8 and 16 found a 51-to-49 result in favor of Talarico, with a margin of error of 3.5 percentage points. Additionally, a YouGov survey reported that 69 percent of respondents under age 30 support Talarico.
Voter Concerns Drive Campaign Messaging
The cost of living has emerged as the top issue for voters in the contest. Talarico leads among those who say rising prices have hurt them financially, a demographic focus that aligns with his tour's emphasis on economic pressures facing everyday Texans.
Conversely, Paxton’s messaging has focused on ideological threats. He warns of a "far-left extremist" threat to Texas, framing the election as a critical defense of state values against radical political forces. This narrative supports his use of revolutionary imagery and slogans designed to rally conservative base voters.