President Donald Trump at the Republican convention at the American Airlines Center in Dallas.
The Texas Senate race intensified Thursday as PresidentDonald Trumprallied behind RepublicanKen Paxton, and DemocratJames Talaricopressed his rival to sue to open the Epstein files.
The dueling moves came after both candidates sought attention around theGOP conventionfeaturing Trump in Dallas.
Paxton on Wednesdayappealed to the party faithfulinside American Airlines Center while Talarico held a grocery drive nearby. A day later, Talarico continued campaigning in North Dallas while Paxton had no public events scheduled.
Advertisement
Article continues below this ad
The unusually competitive rae could help determine control of the Senate and Trump’s ability to advance his agenda during the final two years of his term.
Trump pledged Wednesday night to campaign repeatedly in Texas if needed to help Paxton defeat Talarico.
“I’ll be coming back to Texas, because we have to elect Ken Paxton,” Trump said. He later added: “And if I have to, I’ll come back twice or three times.”
Trump called Paxton “the greatest attorney general in America” and said he “deserves to be your next senator.” But the support included another round of teasing about Paxton’s appearance and speaking style.
Advertisement
Article continues below this ad
“Some might not like the way he dresses. I don’t, although tonight he looked very spiffy in his blue suit, I must tell you,” Trump said. “They may not like the way he talks. I can see that.”
Trump was far more pointed in attacking Talarico, drawing an enthusiastic response from the crowd.
Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico on Thursday in Dallas at a traveling exhibit of federal files related to convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.
%20(1).png)