Texas Democrat Talarico appeals to undecided voters in Senate race

With his closely contested race against Republican Ken Paxton entering its final stretch, Talarico sought to broaden his appeal beyond traditional party lines, pledging to put the interests of Texans ahead of party politics.

During the town hall, he criticised the Biden administration’s border policies, rejected calls to abolish Immigration and Customs Enforcement, known as ICE, and presented himself as an advocate for working-class voters.

His positions appeared aimed at reaching voters who may not ordinarily support Democrats, as the campaign intensifies ahead of the election.

Paxton, meanwhile, has spent millions of dollars seeking to portray Talarico as too liberal for Texas, highlighting the ideological differences between the two candidates.

With early voting scheduled to begin on Monday, voters across Texas are preparing to decide between the candidates’ competing messages. The outcome could also have implications for the balance of power in the United States Senate.