Republican strategist Karl Rove questioned whether Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton possesses the courage to debate Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico, cautioning that avoiding a direct confrontation might cost Paxton the election. Progress was highlighted during Rove’s discussion with Democratic strategist David Axelrod at the Economic Club of Chicago. Rove emphasized the debate’s importance for Paxton as he campaigns for a Senate seat during one of the nation’s most closely watched races.
“If he doesn’t debate, I think he loses,” Rove observed. “If he debates, the question is, ‘Is he going to be able to go on the offense?’”
Axelrod noted Paxton’s reluctance to debate due to a perceived lack of debate skills. Rove countered, claiming adeptness is unnecessary and questioning Paxton’s resolve.
Newsweek reached out to both campaign offices for comments via email. Meanwhile, Talarico has been challenging Paxton for a televised debate on Fox News. A spokesperson indicated Fox News’ willingness to host, contingent upon both candidates’ agreement to participate. Although advisor Nick Maddux stated Paxton would debate, plans remain unsettled, with several opportunities, including a CNN proposal, reportedly declined.
Polling Trends in Texas
A polling average by PollsMax indicated Talarico leads Paxton marginally by 0.2 percentage points. Recent polls have varied from a slight Democratic lead to minimal Republican advantage. A Fox News poll also showed Talarico with a net positive personal rating of 8 points, contrasting with Paxton’s unfavorable ratings.
The competitive nature of the race is underscored by a Barbara Jordan Public Policy Research and Survey Center poll. Conducted from September 15-19 among 1,800 likely Texas voters, results showed Talarico leading with 47 percent to Paxton’s 46 percent, while 3 percent backed another candidate, and 4 percent remained undecided.
Rove’s Criticism of Paxton
Rove has intensified his critiques of Paxton, a longstanding Republican strategist and former adviser to President George W. Bush. Rove suggested Republicans would be in a better position if John Cornyn had secured the GOP nomination instead. He described Paxton’s complications as alterations to a traditionally straightforward Republican-Democrat contest in Texas.
During the Texas Tribune Festival, Rove shared his belief that private conversations with Republicans, including Paxton and Ted Cruz’s allies, highlighted unexpected competitiveness in the race. The week was challenging for Paxton, who faced renewed scrutiny over leaked audio regarding his refusal to debate Talarico.
President Donald Trump criticized Paxton during a recent rally, noting Paxton’s post-2020 election support through a failed Supreme Court lawsuit intended to overturn battleground state outcomes favoring President Joe Biden. Trump labeled Paxton a “pain in the ass,” then praised him as “the greatest attorney general in the United States.”
Texas Senate Campaign Highlights
Early voting in Texas begins on October 19, concluding on October 30. Election Day is set for November 3. The final campaign period will test negative advertising’s impact on this exceptionally close race. A potential debate remains a pivotal moment in the Texas Senate campaign.
Talarico has shaped his campaign around affordability, healthcare, and ethics, while Paxton focuses on immigration, border security, and aligning with Trump’s agenda. Key campaign battlegrounds involve border security, living costs, and Paxton’s ethical controversies.
AI in the Political Arena
Artificial intelligence has unexpectedly emerged as a significant issue in Texas’ U.S. Senate race. Both candidates emphasize AI data centers’ growth in Texas.
Paxton advocated for U.S. competitiveness against China by supporting new regulations on data centers’ energy and water use. Proposals include banning Chinese technology from U.S. infrastructure and mandating AI tool liability for harm to minors, alongside requiring centers to shoulder their power and infrastructure costs.
Talarico primarily approached AI from a consumer protection angle, proposing local communities should control data center developments. He introduced an “AI dividend” concept to ensure Americans benefit economically from AI company successes.
Despite differing views, both candidates support continued AI innovation and greater data center oversight.