Texas Senate rivals target Houston voters

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and State Representative James Talarico concluded their Houston campaign stops on Halloween weekend, each offering distinct visions for the state's next U.S. Senate seat as Election Day approaches. The candidates addressed large crowds in the Houston region, where early voting has already shifted the balance of power.

Voter participation in the Houston area has surged ahead of the November 3 election. HarrisVotes.com reports that early in-person and mail-in voting in Harris County surpassed 1 million ballots after two weeks. The Texas Secretary of State's data shows the ten-county Houston metropolitan area generated more than 1.8 million early votes, representing nearly a quarter of all early votes cast across Texas.

Paxton spoke on Friday at the Federal American Grill in the Rice Military neighborhood. He promoted his Protecting the Texas Promise Plan, which includes a $25,000 deduction for out-of-pocket medical costs and a $50,000 deduction for home purchases. The Republican nominee also proposed a deduction for gym memberships and physician-prescribed weight-loss drugs, alongside making President Donald Trump's children's savings accounts permanent. Paxton challenged voters to compare his record to Talarico, claiming the Democrat's plan excludes working families.

Talarico addressed a packed Bayou Music Center crowd on Halloween. The Democratic nominee focused on curbing billionaire influence in government, naming Elon Musk, Tim Dunn, and Farris Wilks as frequent donors to Paxton. Talarico proposed banning corporate PACs and super PACs to prevent wealthy interests from buying elections. He also pledged to vote for term limits and to end gerrymandering in all states.

The two candidates clashed on the role of faith and the cost of living. Paxton urged his audience to pray for him and for Texas, linking his candidacy to stopping Sharia law and securing elections. He argued that losing the Texas seat would result in a loss for the nation. Talarico countered by invoking the biblical story of David and Goliath, framing his campaign as a fight against a broken political system that keeps gas, groceries, and health care unaffordable for many Texans.

Paxton accused Talarico of supporting a radical agenda, while Talarico cited Paxton's impeachment by the Texas House and his personal enrichment in office. Both candidates ended their Houston runs with calls to action, asking supporters to volunteer, pray, and vote to secure their preferred candidate's victory on Tuesday.