Gigem314 said:

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ts5641 said:

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The more Texans get to know 6-Gender talarico the more they're going to reject him.

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I agree.

The narrative has been that the Talarico camp prefers Paxton as the opponent because of his baggage...but I think Paxton is going to be more aggressive in his campaign ads than Cornyn would have been. Cornyn would have taken the traditional 'above the fray' approach and let Talarico set the narrative.

Because make no mistake, Talarico has no platform Texans can relate to. Whether it was Paxton or Cornyn, he would be running against Donald Trump.

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Yep, Paxton will hit hard and often. It's like people forget that he took out George P Bush and has won 3 Statewide elections with the last one by 10 points after they tried to smear him. Paxton is very comfortable being an ass but a conservative ass and that wins in Texas.

Beto seems like an actual normal dude- just an insane socialist

Talarico seems like a pale dwarf weirdo who you would not be surprised to discover was arrested for kiddie pron.

Urban Ag said:

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The Collective said:

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Greater question might be, why are there so many controversial statements that need nuance? Are the dems just arrogant to run this type of candidate in Texas? Probably should have just run Beto again.

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They're arrogant but I think it is a matter of just being completely out of touch.

I really don't think there was an established plan to push Talarico. He came out of nowhere in the primary. Jazzy already had national recognition because of her mouth. Outside of Round Rock, no one knew who Talarico was.

Jazzy in the senate race would have been non stop national coverage right up through election day. As entertaining as it would have been it had the potential to hurt them not just in Texas, but nationally. I think the dems panicked, kneecapped Crockett, and installed Talarico.

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With her, opposition would be labeled misogynistic and racist, now we'll be homophobic bullies.

The ads have begun! Great job!

🚨 NOW: Republicans are running a BRUTAL new ad against James Talarico (D) to elect Paxton, PERFECTLY exposing Talarico as the weirdo leftist he is

- God is "non-binary"
- 6 sexes
- "Non-meat campaign"
- "Reckoning with whiteness" 🤡

ELECT KEN PAXTON! 🇺🇸pic.twitter.com/EEXcLnjq7N

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) May 27, 2026

LMCane said:

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Beto seems like an actual normal dude- .

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I literally spit my coffee out.


You live in a very worked place if you think he is a normal dude!

Burdizzo said:

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Gigem314 said:

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Quote:

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Paxton is more qualified for the position he is running for because he's worked and earned his way to this point, especially as AG.

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That's certainly a factor. He can speak more to the actual issues that impact Texans. Talarico can't. Partially because he lacks experience, partially because he knows he'll be a rubber stamp in the Senate for Chuck Schumer but that's a liability for him in Texas.

Talarico is going to hammer away at Paxton/Trump being mean and Republicans being mean...but I think Paxton will do a more effective job at pointing out Talarico's weaknesses than Cornyn would have.

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That's been the tactic for as long as I can remember , certainly back to the 80s and Reagan

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It's actually pretty easy, where would Talarico sit in the HS Cafeteria?

That ad is amazing!! thank you for posting

Don't hold back on us Rico, Go ahead and come out hard against all fossil fuel industries. That will also fly well in Texas.

GoAgs92 said:

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Shady scumbag vs woke weirdo

what a state!

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Every moral person would prefer morally upright leaders. But in an age of open decadence and corruption - you don’t have that luxury. In fact, when someone preens about his ‘character,’ it’s almost certainly fake.

That’s where we are. Vote your issues, not for pretend saints.

— FischerKing (@FischerKing64) May 27, 2026

It's a simple formula. Nut up and vote the issues.

The Collective said:

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The people worried about Paxton's ethics probably weren't voting Cornyn either. Tells you what you need to know about those people.

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I love with you guys tell on yourselves. I agree that people who care about ethics probably aren't voting republican.

The Collective said:

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I guess I don't get the talking points on Cornyn. We feel this way, because he isn't lockstep 100% on policy with Trump. That more closely aligns with conservatism than does the true believer block-voting crap we mock the left for doing. The Senate is meant to be slow plodding and slightly ineffective at times. That doesn't mean I'm 100% happy with the last few sessions of the Senate, and I think change is warranted. I've been wanting Cornyn to bail out for a younger conservative for many years, so we can get someone with some seniority before they are old and senile. Instead, we end up with this circus, and he is to blame for it. So, I guess I am saying I don't get all of the hate for Cornyn while saying **** Cornyn in the same breath...

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Cornyn wasn't a terrible Senator but he really lost people when right after he was re-elected last time he jumped on leading the Red Flag Law fight. That was a serious betrayal and he calculated he could do it because by the time he ran again people would forget or he would simply have too much power. Then this election turned when Paxton said he would drop out if he passed the SAVE Act. It showed that all the power and influence Cornyn had didn't amount to much, he couldn't move the needle an inch on it in spite of its overwhelming popularity.

Then at the end Cornyn took on a fear based approach of "well if you don't elect me you will lose the seat and all of my power I've accumulated" attitude and the voters basically told him to F off.

BTW, if you don't think Paxton is a shrewd politician who knows how to win you haven't been paying attention. He knows how to play. Personally I wanted Hunt but Paxton is an attack dog and i understand why the GOPE is terrified of him, he only knows how to play hardball.

BigRobSA said:

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Urban Ag said:

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The Collective said:

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Greater question might be, why are there so many controversial statements that need nuance? Are the dems just arrogant to run this type of candidate in Texas? Probably should have just run Beto again.

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They're arrogant but I think it is a matter of just being completely out of touch.

I really don't think there was an established plan to push Talarico. He came out of nowhere in the primary. Jazzy already had national recognition because of her mouth. Outside of Round Rock, no one knew who Talarico was.

Jazzy in the senate race would have been non stop national coverage right up through election day. As entertaining as it would have been it had the potential to hurt them not just in Texas, but nationally. I think the dems panicked, kneecapped Crockett, and installed Talarico.

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With her, opposition would be labeled misogynistic and racist, now we'll be homophobic bullies.

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I'll allow it

Brutal.

Ken's not the first guy to have a messy public divorce. People will lump those sorts of attacks together and dismiss them as they did during the primary.

Paxton needs to run on Texans wanting a change from John Cornyn to someone who pushes the agenda of Texans forward and not to someone who is as weird as Talarico.

****er has to have just cold, soft slimy hands of a beta boy.

Sumlins Pool Guy said:

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Do you think peddling false Christianity has any effect on talarico's ceiling?

Not really because anyone who cares is already voting against him

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I don't think the false Christian stuff will matter, neither man has much to stand on there.

The 6 genders stuff though is a different matter. That isn't going to play with blacks and hispanics. They don't like soy boys who come off as gay and embrace trans stuff. White liberals will LOVE him but that's just a very vocal but very much minority group in Texas.

for me its pretty simple. we are in a literal war in DC trying to turn back years of liberal bs. You need someone who is a no holds barred fighter to do that. also for those that don't like Paxton and might consider sitting this one out - I ask you to consider what kind of Supreme Court justice Talarico would support? That alone should have you voting for Paxton

amercer said:

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Tergdor said:

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Fortunately for Paxton, all of the false preacher stuff from Talarico outshines Paxton's "poor Christian" criticisms.

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Don't learn the wrong lesson from 2024. All the trans ads were effective not because people actually care much about that issue, but because it told them that the Dems spent their time on stuff they didn't care about.

Most voters don't care about the stuff that animates F16, and so it only really resonates if there is something else to hold it up. Most of the "Talarico is a weirdo, vegan, fake Christian" stuff isn't going to move the needle with swing voters. If people are really pissed at Trump the democrats have a chance in the race. If not, then not

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Swing voters dislike phony politicians. His views on vegan campaigns, 6 genders, fake christian-y stuff is actually going to be a big tell for the part of the electorate that doesn't check in until late.

No Spin Ag said:

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Gigem314 said:

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Quote:

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Paxton is more qualified for the position he is running for because he's worked and earned his way to this point, especially as AG.

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That's certainly a factor. He can speak more to the actual issues that impact Texans. Talarico can't. Partially because he lacks experience, partially because he knows he'll be a rubber stamp in the Senate for Chuck Schumer but that's a liability for him in Texas.

Talarico is going to hammer away at Paxton/Trump being mean and Republicans being mean...but I think Paxton will do a more effective job at pointing out Talarico's weaknesses than Cornyn would have.

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Agreed.

For the first time in memory, I'll actually pay (some) attention to this level race, mostly because the left has "a chance," which, for me, is too much. I may be nowhere near maga, or even conervative, but I do like the way our state has been run with guys like Paxton, and the last thing I want is a Talarico when I can have a Paxton.

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This is why Talarico won't get many GOP crossovers, it's pretty much the mentality of anyone he may have targeted. The difference is another group of GOP voters have to hold their nose for Paxton instead of the opposite group holding their nose for Cornyn again.

Less Evil Hank Scorpio said:

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The Collective said:

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The people worried about Paxton's ethics probably weren't voting Cornyn either. Tells you what you need to know about those people.

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I love with you guys tell on yourselves. I agree that people who care about ethics probably aren't voting republican.

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Remember the family values party? But but but Hunter.

The Wilks / Dunn war chest is about to get activated.

WestAustinAg said:

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amercer said:

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Tergdor said:

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Fortunately for Paxton, all of the false preacher stuff from Talarico outshines Paxton's "poor Christian" criticisms.

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Don't learn the wrong lesson from 2024. All the trans ads were effective not because people actually care much about that issue, but because it told them that the Dems spent their time on stuff they didn't care about.

Most voters don't care about the stuff that animates F16, and so it only really resonates if there is something else to hold it up. Most of the "Talarico is a weirdo, vegan, fake Christian" stuff isn't going to move the needle with swing voters. If people are really pissed at Trump the democrats have a chance in the race. If not, then not

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Swing voters dislike phony politicians. His views on vegan campaigns, 6 genders, fake christian-y stuff is actually going to be a big tell for the part of the electorate that doesn't check in until late.

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Do you really think the culture war stuff will have the same sway on these elections as in the past? I think the economy will matter much more. Paxton will try to steer the conversation towards the culture stuff, but I don't think that is what is going to get voters motivated this cycle.

I don't know. But people who aren't being pressured are not going to change. Thune has not tried to muster support for the Save America Act. Because he doesn't actually support it.

John Cornyn just got the boot for refusing to carry out the will of the people. You can't on one hand say "we can't muster support" and on the other hand give millions to elect the same people who won't support the agenda. Cornyn s actions speak for themselves. So the people spoke for themselves.

Less Evil Hank Scorpio said:

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The Collective said:

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The people worried about Paxton's ethics probably weren't voting Cornyn either. Tells you what you need to know about those people.

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I love with you guys tell on yourselves. I agree that people who care about ethics probably aren't voting republican.

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Ah, yes. The party of personal destruction speaks.

Less Evil Hank Scorpio said:

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The Collective said:

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The people worried about Paxton's ethics probably weren't voting Cornyn either. Tells you what you need to know about those people.

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I love with you guys tell on yourselves. I agree that people who care about ethics probably aren't voting republican.

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You are correct, Dems are all about ethics

I can always tell I touch a nerve when I get multiple direct replies in a row. I'm just joking around people. You have to admit it is a pretty funny thing to say.

Struck a nerve? There is not an ethical Democrat politician on the face of the earth. No one is questioning that.

lol a mask

SigAg6 said:

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This race is going to cost a lot of money

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Mainly for Democrats. Paxton will likely be outspent 4 to 1 and still win handily. It's not about number of ads or mailers it's about the impact of them. The "Low T" ad alone with just a few of Talarico's quotes is worth $50 million in stupid mailers people throw away. It's impactful because it isn't one thing it's over and over and all Talarico's own words.

The irony is they would have spent more GOP money on Cornyn, hell he already dropped $100 million plus in the primary just to get trounced while Paxton was spending small. A lot of GOP consultants are very sad today, they were going to bank on the Cornyn campaign.

Less Evil Hank Scorpio said:

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WestAustinAg said:

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amercer said:

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Tergdor said:

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Fortunately for Paxton, all of the false preacher stuff from Talarico outshines Paxton's "poor Christian" criticisms.

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Don't learn the wrong lesson from 2024. All the trans ads were effective not because people actually care much about that issue, but because it told them that the Dems spent their time on stuff they didn't care about.

Most voters don't care about the stuff that animates F16, and so it only really resonates if there is something else to hold it up. Most of the "Talarico is a weirdo, vegan, fake Christian" stuff isn't going to move the needle with swing voters. If people are really pissed at Trump the democrats have a chance in the race. If not, then not

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Swing voters dislike phony politicians. His views on vegan campaigns, 6 genders, fake christian-y stuff is actually going to be a big tell for the part of the electorate that doesn't check in until late.

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Do you really think the culture war stuff will have the same sway on these elections as in the past? I think the economy will matter much more. Paxton will try to steer the conversation towards the culture stuff, but I don't think that is what is going to get voters motivated this cycle.

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Cultural issues are a short hand way to define the opposition as "out of touch with normal people". They work. And when Talarico says he has 6 genders he's actually fighting the same culture war. He did that to fly a flag that he is onboard with all the trans element of the party. This is the foundation of his run so he had to lock that down first.

If the election/citizen concern moved swiftly to the economy I dont think Talarico has any advantage on those issues. He's been a school teacher....and a politician.

flown-the-coop said:

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Trump is in on this…

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That's actually not great. So much to hit Talarico on and his looks aren't one of them, especially when Paxton looks like a grumpy uncle that everyone has to put up with. Just keep up the videos and ads of Talarico's own words.

Less Evil Hank Scorpio said:

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I can always tell I touch a nerve when I get multiple direct replies in a row. I'm just joking around people. You have to admit it is a pretty funny thing to say.

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Nice retreat.

WestAustinAg said:

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Less Evil Hank Scorpio said:

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WestAustinAg said:

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amercer said:

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Tergdor said:

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Fortunately for Paxton, all of the false preacher stuff from Talarico outshines Paxton's "poor Christian" criticisms.

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Don't learn the wrong lesson from 2024. All the trans ads were effective not because people actually care much about that issue, but because it told them that the Dems spent their time on stuff they didn't care about.

Most voters don't care about the stuff that animates F16, and so it only really resonates if there is something else to hold it up. Most of the "Talarico is a weirdo, vegan, fake Christian" stuff isn't going to move the needle with swing voters. If people are really pissed at Trump the democrats have a chance in the race. If not, then not

---

Swing voters dislike phony politicians. His views on vegan campaigns, 6 genders, fake christian-y stuff is actually going to be a big tell for the part of the electorate that doesn't check in until late.

---

Do you really think the culture war stuff will have the same sway on these elections as in the past? I think the economy will matter much more. Paxton will try to steer the conversation towards the culture stuff, but I don't think that is what is going to get voters motivated this cycle.

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Cultural issues are a short hand way to define the opposition as "out of touch with normal people". They work. And when Talarico says he has 6 genders he's actually fighting the same culture war. He did that to fly a flag that he is onboard with all the trans element of the party. This is the foundation of his run so he had to lock that down first.

If the election/citizen concern moved swiftly to the economy I dont think Talarico has any advantage on those issues. He's been a school teacher....and a politician.

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Sure, I don't really disagree too much with any of that. The model for what wins elections is just way simpler to me. What wins elections is getting certain demographics to the polls and having other demographics not care that much. I think Ds are pretty motivated this cycle, and I think Rs are pretty unenthusiastic, mostly from issues top down. I don't think Trump has energized people with his actions in his first two years.

I'm probably dead wrong and Paxton will win by 12 points, but from a macro level I think the Rs have an uphill battle this year.

Im Gipper said:

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What part it's not true?

Cornyn should've been pushing for it. He was not. He rarely (if ever) even talked about it from what I can tell.


They didn't have 50 votes. Which person was going to change their mind?

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Cornyn was friends with all of them. He could have pushed for a compromise and gotten it passed but he didn't have the will or the juice. Either way it proved for all his "power" he couldn't get a bill passed that 80% of the public wants even with his political life at stake. He didn't even fight for it. Hell if he had just gone on the Senate floor and pressured his holdout friends that may have saved him but he basically acted like Thune.

austinAG90 said:

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Less Evil Hank Scorpio said:

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The Collective said:

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The people worried about Paxton's ethics probably weren't voting Cornyn either. Tells you what you need to know about those people.

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I love with you guys tell on yourselves. I agree that people who care about ethics probably aren't voting republican.

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You are correct, Dems are all about ethics

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Dems are all about ethics, especially when finding justification to avoid or ignore them.

Less Evil Hank Scorpio said:

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Sure, I don't really disagree too much with any of that. The model for what wins elections is just way simpler to me. What wins elections is getting certain demographics to the polls and having other demographics not care that much. I think Ds are pretty motivated this cycle, and I think Rs are pretty unenthusiastic, mostly from issues top down. I don't think Trump has energized people with his actions in his first two years.

I'm probably dead wrong and Paxton will win by 12 points, but from a macro level I think the Rs have an uphill battle this year.

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Just judging by the comment Trump's "first two years" when he has been in office less than 18 months is indeed supportive of being dead wrong.

No one will care about a messy divorce. They do care about calling God non-binary, 6 genders and cow meat is bad.

Cornyn being friends with them pales in comparison to how much they hate Trump.!

Which senator was going to change their mind because of Cornyn's friendship?


As I said, above, regardless of eventual outcome, he should have done all he could to push for it. He chose not to.