Most polls since July show Democrat James Talarico tied with or ahead of Republican Ken Paxton in Texas’ U.S. Senate race; a Sept. 17 ReconMR/Texas Pulse poll put him up 49%-43%. Some voters said the economy matters more than GOP attacks on his masculinity.
Paxton called Talarico “tofu Talarico” and “James Talafreako,” then released an ad calling him “too low-T for Texas”; another Paxton campaign ad criticized Talarico for praising drag performer Alyssa Edwards. Trump said Talarico “doesn't like meat,” invoking a false claim that he is vegan. Talarico says his campaign “runs on barbecue” and has redirected attention to living costs.
An Emerson College survey released Sept. 17 put Talarico one point ahead of Paxton and found about 36% of respondents named the economy as Texas’ top issue. AdImpact reported Republican groups planned to spend about $81.1 million on Texas ads through September; pro-Paxton Lone Star Liberty PAC launched a $15 million ad buy against Talarico.
