Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton brought his U.S. Senate campaign to Montgomery County on Tuesday, pitching tax deductions and lower costs for families while repeatedly attacking Democratic state Rep. James Talarico, his opponent in the race.
Paxton spoke at The Table at Madeley as part of his “Come and Take It” tour, a 17-day campaign bus tour across Texas. His appearance came one day after early voting began in Texas.
Paxton said his campaign is focused on helping Texans afford housing, health care and everyday expenses.
“Everything costs more,” Paxton told the crowd, pointing to gas, groceries and electricity bills. He argued that paychecks have not kept pace with rising costs.
During his speech, Paxton promoted his “Protecting the Texas Promise” plan, which he said would put thousands of dollars back into the pockets of working Texans.
His proposals include:
Paxton also highlighted his record as attorney general, citing lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies and technology companies, as well as legal challenges to Biden administration policies involving energy.
He said he has recovered billions of dollars from companies he accused of contributing to the opioid crisis and violating Texans’ privacy.
Paxton also praised President Donald Trump’s administration for supporting domestic energy production, arguing that federal energy policies affect electricity costs and the broader economy.
Much of Paxton’s speech focused on criticizing Talarico, who is also campaigning for the U.S. Senate seat.
Paxton accused Talarico of supporting higher taxes and policies that would hurt Texas’ oil and gas industry. He also criticized Talarico’s positions on social issues, including transgender rights and school sports.
Those remarks were part of Paxton’s campaign arguments against his Democratic opponent. Paxton did not present supporting documentation for several of his accusations during the speech.
Paxton framed the race as a choice between competing visions for the country, arguing that the outcome could affect control of the U.S. Senate.
He urged supporters to vote early, volunteer for his campaign and encourage other Republicans to cast ballots.
Talarico is also bringing his campaign to the Houston area this week as part of his “Clear Eyes, Full Hearts” tour.
The Democratic state representative has two appearances scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 21:
Talarico, who campaigned in Fort Worth on Monday, has focused his campaign on lowering costs for working families and making health care more affordable.
The competing campaign stops come as Texas voters head to the polls for early voting, which runs through Oct. 30.
