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Texas Democratic Senate hopeful James Talarico compared his rival, Republican Ken Paxtonduring his last appearance as a Senate candidate just before Election Day, facing an ‘obnoxious’ bar patron
Talarico filled downtown Austin’s barbecue venue Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater on Monday night with anxious Democrats eagerly awaiting whether aDemocratcould finally secure a statewide victory after a 32-year drought
At a campaign event with Democratic gubernatorial nominee Gina Hinojosa, the 37-year-old Talarico peppered his speech with pop culture nods and relatable moments that resonated with his beer-drinking audience
Every Texas bar has its regulars—the ones who buy rounds, check in on the guy drinking solo, share a laugh or a story or even fried pickles,” said Talarico, a state representative
But every bar also has that one guy,” he added. “He’s loud, rude, makes everyone uneasy. He hears you tell the bartender your name, then quietly adds his drink to your tab while you’re not looking
That’s Ken Paxton,” Talarico declared, drawing cheers. “And I’m telling you—I’m done paying for his tab!
Paxton, the state’s attorney general backed by President Donald Trump in his challenge against Texas’ incumbent Senator John Cornyn, has faced multiple corruption allegations and was impeached by members of his own party.
Recent polling data revealed Paxton trailing Talarico by seven points. Democrats must gain four seats in Tuesday’s midterms to secure a majority in the Senate.
Talarico labeled Paxton “the most corrupt politician in Texas history,” citing support from billionaire Elon Musk, who has contributed at least $168 million to aid the Republican candidate’s campaign.
“I aim to represent every Texan who can’t afford a senator,” the Democratic contender stated.
He emphasized that Texas deserves a leader with greater vision and ambition.
Talarico reflected on his mother and her lessons about Texas being beautiful, bold, and—above all—grand.
“Big hair, big hearts, and big dreams,” the candidate added.
“Our athletes are adored worldwide: Cowboys, Spurs, Longhorns. Our musicians are so legendary they’re known by just one name: Willie, Selena, Beyoncé,” he remarked.
This won’t be accomplished in a single day, but a large state demands ambitious visions,” Talarico stated.
His backers displayed a blend of apprehension and hope.
I’m genuinely hopeful, yet I’m not delusional; this will be an extremely challenging campaign. There are likely to be significant voter turnout hurdles tomorrow as well,” said David Marchman, a 67-year-old retiree from Austin, speaking to the Daily Mail. “Still, there’s palpable momentum behind him across the state right now, so I’m quite encouraged.
Marchman emphasized he felt more confident about Talarico’s prospects than he had been about Democratic Representative Beto O’Rourke during the 2018 race, which saw O’Rourke fall just 2.6 points short of defeating Republican Senator Ted Cruz.
At that time, O’Rourke appeared on track to defeat Cruz, despite polling data still indicating he trailed the Republican incumbent.
Maggie Theis, an 18-year-old freshman at UT Austin, mentioned she had been analyzing the race in her class and concluded it would be intensely competitive.
It’s going to be incredibly fierce and extremely tight,” she told the Daily Mail.
However, her friend Ben Webb, also 19 and a UT Austin freshman who works for a state legislator, expressed a more optimistic outlook, noting that O’Rourke had never managed to overtake Cruz in the polls.
In this race, Talarico has maintained a steady lead,” Webb contended. “I believe he’ll secure the victory.
Webb then showed how the crowd had clearly picked up on Talarico’s controversial bar patron comment.
Win or lose, we’re still going to party,” he told the Daily Mail.
If Talarico comes out on top, it’ll be a night I’ll cherish. But if Paxton wins, it’ll be one I’d rather erase,” Webb stated.
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