Democratic Texas Senate candidate James Talarico chose to skip a rally led by Sen. Bernie Sanders in El Paso. Instead, he focused on campaign events in North Texas as his race against Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton comes to a close.
The El Paso event took place at the Abraham Chavez Theatre and featured Sanders, alongside former Rep. Beto O’Rourke and Democratic Reps. Greg Casar and Veronica Escobar. It coincided with the start of early voting ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections.
Talarico organized a rally at North Crowley High School in Fort Worth during his “Clear Eyes, Full Hearts” campaign tour. This followed a previous stop in Denton.
“They have spent, so far, $368 million just against one man, the next senator from the state of Texas, James Talarico. That’s how desperate, how scared and how panicked they are right now,” said O’Rourke.
Fox News Digital requested a comment from Talarico’s campaign regarding his decision to campaign separately. At the El Paso rally, O’Rourke emphasized the financial challenges Democrats face and rallied support for Talarico. Casar also encouraged electing Talarico to further Democratic legislative goals. Sanders criticized the influence of wealthy donors without directly mentioning Talarico.
In Fort Worth, Talarico discussed the impact of money in politics, specifically targeting Paxton and billionaire Elon Musk. He linked the current affordability crisis to political corruption.
“This election shouldn’t be about the Democratic Party or the Republican Party. It’s bigger than that,” Talarico told his audience.
Talarico aimed to position his candidacy as transcending typical party lines. His campaign continues amid the race for the Senate seat to be vacated by Republican Sen. John Cornyn. Democrats hope to claim their first U.S. Senate victory in Texas since 1988.