Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico rallies at UT Austin, accuses Elon Musk of buying Texas politics
James Talarico, running against Ken Paxton, warns Musk is bankrolling Paxton's Senate bid and declares 'Texas is not for sale' at his alma mater rally.
At a glance
- James Talarico accused Elon Musk of trying to buy the Texas Senate seat at his UT Austin rally, citing Musk's $158 million contribution to a pro-Paxton super PAC.
- Talarico leads in polls with 48% support versus 46% for Ken Paxton in the key midterm race, with early voting already underway.
- The Democratic candidate raised $64 million in three months, 97% from donations under $100, positioning himself as grassroots alternative to Paxton's billionaire backing.
James Talarico, the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Texas, accused Elon Musk of attempting to buy political influence at a campaign rally Friday at the University of Texas at Austin, his alma mater. 'Texas is not for sale,' Talarico declared, pointing to Musk's $158 million contribution to a Republican super PAC supporting his opponent, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
The rally drew hundreds of students and supporters who cheered and waved campaign signs. Talarico, 37, wore casual attire and contrasted his legislative record with Paxton's 'criminal record,' saying the election is about whether voters want a senator who 'puts money in your pocket or who puts money in their own.' He emphasized that his movement is funded by 1.3 million individuals compared to Paxton's backing by 'one dude.'
A Battle for Control of Congress
The race has become one of the most closely watched midterm contests, with Democrats seeking their first statewide victory since 1994. Talarico's grassroots fundraising has offset outside spending disadvantages, raising $64 million from July through September with 97% of donations under $100 each. Paxton, a staunch Donald Trump ally, was impeached by his own party over corruption accusations and recently celebrated New Year's Eve in Dubai with two U.S. fugitives.
Polling and Early Voting
The campaign entered its final stretch with Talarico holding a narrow lead. A RealClearPolitics average from October 6-19 showed him ahead by 1.8 percentage points. An Emerson College/Nexstar Media survey found 48% support for Talarico versus 46% for Paxton. Early voting began October 19, with Talarico voting earlier Friday.
Grassroots Momentum
Supporters expressed frustration with Republican leadership and optimism about change. Alina Anil, a 19-year-old UT student who had already voted, said, 'We've been red for a long time and nothing has really come out of it. We need some change and James Talarico seems promising.' Dakota Walker, a pediatric physical therapist, wore a custom T-shirt reading 'Talafrico: Talarico refreshing for Texas' and stated, 'He has morals, he has values, I think we need a drastic change.'
Source: The Guardian World.
Questions and answers
- How much money has Elon Musk contributed to Ken Paxton's Senate campaign?
- Musk contributed $158 million to the Senate Leadership Fund, which transferred the amount to Texas PAC supporting Paxton, according to federal filings.
- What is James Talarico's fundraising advantage over Ken Paxton?
- Talarico raised $64 million from July through September with 97% of donations under $100 each, while Paxton's campaign relies on billionaire mega-donors like Musk.
- What is the current polling lead in the Texas Senate race?
- Talarico holds a narrow lead with 48% support versus 46% for Paxton according to Emerson College/Nexstar Media, with RealClearPolitics showing a 1.8 point advantage.
