Democrat James Talarico and Republican Ken Paxton are stressing different priorities in the race for U.S. Senate in Texas. Talarico, a state representative and former public school teacher, is focusing on the cost of living, public schools and limits on the influence of wealthy donors and corporations. Paxton, the state attorney general, backs President Donald Trump's agenda, including border security, tax cuts and reduced federal spending.
Talarico proposes expanding tax credits for families, restoring Affordable Care Act tax credits and providing rebates to offset tariff costs. He also supports building more housing, expanding child care access and paid family leave, and limiting corporate landlords' ability to raise rents. Paxton's economic platform calls for lower taxes, reduced federal spending and fewer regulations on energy companies, along with clearer rules for cryptocurrency.
On education, Talarico opposes school vouchers that use taxpayer money for private schools. Paxton's campaign emphasizes parental rights, opposition to what it calls gender ideology in classrooms, gun rights and restrictions on abortion. On immigration, Paxton pledges to complete the border wall, secure the U.S.-Mexico border and deport immigrants in the country illegally. Talarico calls for banning corporate political action committee contributions, restricting congressional stock trading, ending partisan gerrymandering and imposing term limits.
On foreign policy, Talarico opposes the war with Iran and supports congressional action to halt the conflict, and he backs helping Ukraine defend itself against Russia. Paxton's campaign advocates an "America First" approach and opposes what it calls blank checks for foreign countries.