Talarico Rallies in Austin Against Musk's Influence as Texas Senate Race With Paxton Intensifies
Photo: The Guardian USJames Talarico, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Texas, said at a Friday rally at the University of Texas at Austin that Texas is not for sale, accusing billionaire Elon Musk of trying to buy political influence. Hundreds of students and supporters packed the auditorium. Talarico, 37, a state representative and Presbyterian seminarian, faces Republican Ken Paxton, the state attorney general and a Trump ally whom his own party impeached over corruption accusations. Talarico called Paxton the most corrupt politician in state history and contrasted his own legislative record with Paxton's criminal record. A new Talarico ad also hits back at Musk's attacks and spending. The race, decided in next month's midterms, is among the most closely watched, and Democrats are seeking their first statewide win in Texas since 1994. Talarico won the nomination in March over Rep. Jasmine Crockett, who took about 61 percent of the Black vote in that primary.
The right-leaning Federalist and Washington Free Beacon do not mention the rally, Musk or the corruption allegations in the excerpts provided. They focus on Talarico's image. The Federalist headline says he is winning Texas in Republican drag and asks why a Democrat needs conservative cultural packaging. The Free Beacon's mocking, exclusive piece cites newly unearthed photos of his aesthetic change. It contrasts his current stated opposition to gender procedures for minors and to trans athletes in girls' sports with his 2023 description of the procedures as life-saving and with an apology to a trans activist. The left-leaning Guardian leads with the rally, Musk and Paxton's record, quoting Talarico directly. The New Republic examines whether he can win Black voters after the Crockett primary, citing his remark to TheGrio. Both sides center Talarico, but left outlets stress money, corruption and coalition-building, while right outlets stress sincerity and policy shifts. AP and CNBC largely echo the left's focus on the expensive race and Musk ad.
How the sides differ Right sources question Talarico's authenticity and policy positions; left sources stress his attacks on Musk and Paxton's corruption allegations, and his difficulty with Black voters.
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- The New RepublicWhy Talarico Still Might Lose: Can He Nail Down the Black Vote?
The Guardian leads with Talarico's rally speech against Musk and Paxton, quoting him at length. The New Republic examines his weakness with Black voters after the Crockett primary.
AP calls the race an expensive showdown, with Democrats hoping to break a long losing streak in Texas. CNBC reports on Talarico's new ad against Musk's spending.
- Washington Free BeaconEXCLUSIVE: Newly Unearthed Photos of James Talarico Raise Authenticity Concerns
The Federalist and Washington Free Beacon question Talarico's authenticity, using mocking language about his image. The Free Beacon cites photos and his past statements on gender procedures and trans athletes.