Paxton: ‘If we lose Texas, we lose America’ — calls Talarico the most radical Democrat ever at San Angelo rally

SAN ANGELO, TX — Republican U.S. Senate nominee Ken Paxton warned supporters Wednesday that “if we lose Texas, we lose America,” framing the race against Democrat James Talarico as a fight against a “radical” left agenda. 

Paxton spoke at Arc Light Sports Bar & Grill as part of his “Come and Take It” statewide bus tour. The event, on day 12 of the roughly 18-day swing, drew local officials and campaign allies. Early voting in Texas continues through Friday; Election Day is Nov. 3. 

Paxton highlighted his record as Texas attorney general, including lawsuits against opioid manufacturers that he said recovered more than $3 billion overall (including $286 million from Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family), more than $1 billion from Meta over effects on children online, and 107 suits against the Biden administration. He outlined his “Protecting the Texas Promise” economic plan, which includes a $25,000 deduction for out-of-pocket medical expenses, a $50,000 home down-payment deduction, a $5,000 “healthy living” deduction for items such as gym memberships and certain medications, doubling the child tax credit, and making Trump accounts permanent. 

He contrasted that with Talarico, whom he called “the most radical Democrat ever to run statewide in Texas” and a “democratic socialist” in the mold of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Paxton said Talarico supported a state income tax while in the Texas Legislature, favors taxing tips, overtime and Social Security, wants to phase out oil and gas, and has supported allowing biological males to compete in girls’ sports. He also criticized Talarico’s statements on gender and Christianity. 

Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso, R-Wyo., also spoke, urging the crowd to send a “fighter” to Washington and framing the contest as “common sense versus crazy.” He cited Democratic positions on immigration enforcement and taxes and specifically criticized Talarico. During Barrasso’s remarks, a man was escorted out after repeatedly yelling “pedophile protector,” creating a loud, chaotic interruption. 

Local speakers reinforced the message. Arc Light owner and San Angelo LIVE! publisher Joe Hyde cited free-speech concerns and praised Paxton’s actions against tech platforms. Hyde, who interviewed U.S. Rep. August Pfluger in January 2021, said a video of that interview was later removed by YouTube as election-related content. Tom Green County Commissioner Shawn Nanny called the race a fight for control of the U.S. Senate and against “the most radical Democrat in the history of Texas.” Texas Federation of Republican Women official Kellye Garrett praised Paxton’s work against opioid companies and his stances on women’s sports and parental rights. Tom Green County Republican Party Chair Trey Holmes was also recognized. 

Paxton asked attendees to pray, join his campaign at KenPaxton.com, and spend time each day urging others to vote. The tour is scheduled to conclude at the Alamo in San Antonio on Nov. 2. Public polls have shown a close contest between Paxton and Talarico for the seat being vacated by Sen. John Cornyn.

Early voting in Tom Green County has neared just about 20,000 votes as of this Wednesday morning. 

You can find more information regarding local early voting locations by clicking HERE.