Texas Democrat James Talarico challenged Ken Paxton to a Fox News debate hosted by Bret Baier, accusing Paxton of dodging debates and saying his campaign declined three local TV invitations. Paxton’s adviser said in July he would debate, but none is scheduled.
Newsweek’s hypothetical debate analysis casts the economy, ethics and health care as potential advantages for Talarico, and immigration and Christianity as potential advantages for Paxton. A Texas voter survey it cites found inflation was the top concern at 19%, followed by political corruption and leadership at 15%.
Polls cited by Newsweek put Talarico ahead in surveys by eight pollsters, though several leads were within the margin of error. An Emerson poll from September 12–14 had Talarico at 47% and Paxton at 46%, with a 3-point margin of error. Federal Election Commission quarterly filings showed Talarico raised $31.6 million to Paxton’s $9.3 million.
