Republican supporters of Ken Paxton gathered Saturday at a Fort Worth warehouse, where a crowd of just over 100 heard speakers warn of a "last stand for liberty" in Texas. Steve Holt, a banker from Runaway Bay, said the race was serious and that the contrast between the candidates was clear. State Sen. Tan Parker, R-Flower Mound, urged Republicans to tune out distractions and said Paxton would be the state's next U.S. senator.
Hours later, a rally for Democrat James Talarico at the Bayou Music Center in Houston drew 1,900 people, according to the event. Supporters Donavon Williams and Ashley Whitfield attended in Halloween costumes that mocked Paxton and Gov. Greg Abbott. Williams said many first-time voters are tired of Republicans blaming Democrats for problems, and he said he believes they are frustrated.
The rallies reflected the candidates' different messages. Paxton, the state attorney general, is appealing to conservatives who fear losing the state they know. Talarico, an Austin state representative, is seeking a broader coalition with promises of a united future. Both campaigns are working to turn enthusiasm into votes on Tuesday.