This is an analysis piece from The Patriot Party Texas's conservative, Christian perspective. Facts and quotes below are drawn from The Texas Tribune's reporting; the concerns attributed to conservatives are our readers' and commentators' views, labeled as such.
James Talarico, a Democratic state representative from Austin, is running for U.S. Senate against Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton, and a new University of Houston poll shows the race within the margin of error. Here is what the Democratic nominee has said himself, according to The Texas Tribune's Oct. 13 voter guide and its Oct. 14 report on his CNN town hall in Fort Worth — and where Texas conservatives say the problems are.
Tariffs and trade. Talarico told the Tribune, “It's time to repeal these crazy tariffs.” Paxton has backed the Trump tariffs, saying in April 2025 that he “fully support[s] President Trump's bold action.” The conservative concern: supporters of the president's trade policy commonly argue tariffs are leverage for fairer trade and a defense of American manufacturing and ranching, and that repeal would hand that leverage back. Talarico also opposes suspending tariffs on imported beef trimmings, saying “D.C. politicians are flooding the market with unregulated foreign beef,” a position that overlaps with many Texas ranchers' concerns.
Marijuana. Talarico said, “In the Senate, I'll support legalizing marijuana for adults.” Paxton, asked about Texas's THC restrictions in August, said he did not know the details. The conservative concern: conservative critics commonly argue that legalization raises risks of addiction, impaired driving and harm to young people; supporters counter that regulation and taxation are better than prohibition.
Energy and the economy. At the town hall, Talarico backed an “all of the above” energy approach that includes renewables while protecting oil and gas, and described the current system as “crony capitalism” that taxes work more than wealth. In the Texas House he filed HB 2206 in 2021, which, per the advocacy group Texans for Fiscal Responsibility, would cap greenhouse-gas emissions at 90% below 1990 levels. The conservative concern: Republicans point to that bill as evidence that his “all of the above” message conflicts with his legislative record; the Tribune noted Republicans argued he is moderating for the campaign. Talarico also wants data centers to pay for their own infrastructure and communities to decide whether to host them — a stance that, notably, is close to Paxton's own stated position.
Iran and war powers. Talarico said he would vote for a war powers resolution “to put a stop to this reckless war.” Paxton said in August, “I'm supportive of what the president is doing.” The conservative concern: conservative critics commonly argue that restricting presidential war powers during an active conflict could undercut U.S. forces and allies; supporters say Congress has a constitutional role in deciding on war.
The border. Talarico said Joe Biden “failed us” on border security. He proposes more Border Patrol agents, more immigration judges and modernized surveillance, and says he opposes abolishing ICE but called it a “secret police force.” He also calls the Big Bend border-wall project “a corrupt project.” Paxton called those plans “not smart border security” in August. The conservative concern: the “secret police” remark and his support for legal pathways are the lines Republicans say do not match the tougher enforcement most Texans want.
What Talarico gets right to some conservatives' ears. He said, “I do not support gender reassignment surgery for minors,” and opposes warrantless surveillance, positions that draw some support on the right. Republicans, including Chris Gustafson of the Senate Leadership Fund, nonetheless called him “too liberal and too dangerous for Texas,” saying he “couldn't defend his record.” Paxton did not attend the town hall.
Our take. Voters should weigh Talarico's current words against his record of votes (see our companion piece) and against Paxton's own record and positions. Honest coverage requires saying both: Talarico has moderated his tone and agrees with conservatives on a few issues, and conservatives have substantive disagreements with him on trade, drugs, energy and foreign policy. We encourage readers to read the Tribune guide and decide for themselves.