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◆ Mixed look for TalaricoElections / Campaigns

Tala-freak-o vs. Ken the Criminal: Texas candidates sharpen attacks as U.S. Senate race locks in

Talarico began the general-election campaign with attacks on Paxton and defended his own record and past remarks.

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Outlet credibilityThe Gilmer MirrorNOT RATED
This article1 analysis · Oct 6, 2026

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Cites Texas Tribune

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Texas Tribune79/100 HIGH

48 stories · 78–81 · updated Oct 6, 2026

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The Gilmer Mirrorcites Texas Tribune
May 27, 2026
tl;dr

Ken Paxton clinched the Republican U.S. Senate nomination, setting up a general-election race against Democrat James Talarico. Both campaigns quickly began attacking the other candidate as they sought to define the contest for voters.

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Democratic Senate nominee and Texas state representative

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Ken Paxton
R · TX

Republican Senate nominee and Texas attorney general

Paxton's version of this story ↗
Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President of the United States

Denver Riggleman
Former U.S. Representative (R-VA)

Former U.S. representative from Virginia

John Cornyn
R · TX · SEN

U.S. senator from Texas and former Republican Senate primary candidate

ALSO MENTIONED  Barack Obama, Former president of the United States; Joe Gruters, Republican National Committee chair

Part of a bigger story

8 OUTLETS
Ken Paxton Releases Gender-Focused Ad Targeting James Talarico

Ken Paxton’s campaign released an ad attacking James Talarico, focusing on masculinity and gender, as their Texas Senate race took shape. Talarico responded with criticism of Paxton. Left-leaning outlets frame the ad as part of a Republican strategy built around masculinity and cultural identity. Center outlets describe the candidates’ competing attacks and the broader race, with some also examining the ad’s focus on masculinity. Right-leaning outlets emphasize Talarico’s campaign strategy and the challenges he faces against Paxton.

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