Texas Senate Race: Talarico Ad Targets Musk Spending as Libertarian Brown Challenges Both Parties

Democratic nominee James Talarico released a new ad in Texas' U.S. Senate race criticizing Elon Musk's attacks and spending, which the ad portrays as a dark-money push. Talarico faces Republican Ken Paxton and Libertarian Ted Brown in a closely contested race. Brown, who received more than 267,000 votes in his 2024 Senate campaign, says Republicans have abandoned limited government and Democrats increasingly embrace economic policies that undermine the free market. He backs an Ellis Island–style immigration system, federal spending cuts to address the $40 trillion national debt, and an end to U.S. military involvement in the Middle East. He also cites Paxton's corruption scandals and Talarico's hostility toward billionaires.

Left-leaning outlets had not reported this story at the time of writing, while alternative/independent and right-leaning outlets had. Alternative sources covered Brown's interview, centered on his platform, and Talarico's ad answering Musk. The right-leaning Federalist asked why a Democrat in Texas needs conservative cultural packaging. The coverage differs mainly in focus: Musk's spending, the Libertarian option, and Talarico's image.