Bo French Republican
Promise · Railroad Commissioner
Promote anti-abortion policies.
Unclear Statement without details on how Railroad Commission role would address abortion.
Election 2026
Campaign claims
What the campaigns, parties and outside groups are claiming, who it is aimed at, and what the reporting shows. Both sides, side by side. This site doesn't rule claims true or false: the label says only what the sources back up.
45Republican side claims17 attacks on opponents
25Democratic side claims4 attacks on opponents
29Others and outside groups claims8 attacks on opponents
Republican side (45)
Bo French Republican
Attack on an opponent · Other
South Asian students have robbed white students of places at University of Texas-Austin.
No evidence given No data or evidence provided supporting this claim; appears as xenophobic statement.
Bo French Republican
Other claim · Railroad Commissioner
Focused campaign on Chinese-owned land, diversity programs, and immigration policy.
Unclear Campaign focus areas noted; unclear if these relate to Railroad Commission duties.
Bo French Republican
Promise · Railroad Commissioner
Crack down on foreign ownership of oil and gas wells.
Unclear Campaign promise without details on implementation or authority.
Bo French Republican
Promise · Railroad Commissioner
Lower electricity and gas prices and cut regulations.
Unclear Campaign promise without supporting details or projections provided.
Patrick Casey Republican → Vasant Bhatt Democrat
Attack on an opponent · U.S. Senate
Bhatt had interned for Republican Senator Ted Cruz.
Unclear Factual statement about Bhatt's past work but context and relevance unclear.
Jeff Leach Republican → Ken Paxton Republican
Attack on an opponent · Attorney General
Paxton should investigate financing and obtaining of contact information for mailers.
Unclear Leach called for investigation; no determination of whether Paxton did so.
Don Huffines Republican
About their own record · Comptroller of Public Accounts
Law Enforcement Operations Division reorganized; investigates tax crimes and misuse of taxpayer money.
Backed by a record Material confirms division was reorganized when Huffines took office Aug. 1.
Don Huffines Republican
Promise · Comptroller of Public Accounts
We will aggressively pursue anyone who defrauds the state of Texas.
Unclear Promise statement; material shows whistleblower portal launched but no enforcement record.
Patrick Von Dohlen Republican
Other claim · County and city offices, and local measures
He enjoyed reminiscing about growing up in Goliad as son of a state senator.
Unclear Personal anecdote statement without verification in material provided.
Ken Paxton Republican
Other claim · U.S. Senate
Senate Leadership Fund received $158 million donation from Elon Musk to support Paxton campaign.
Backed by a record Sources cite donation records: $75 million Sept. 9 and $83 million Sept. 23.
Tim O'Hare Republican
About their own record · County and city offices, and local measures
County commissioners lowered county tax rate for fourth consecutive year.
Backed by a record Sources cite county budget adoption and tax rate lowering as fact.
Tim O'Hare Republican
Promise · County and city offices, and local measures
Government does not create jobs but can create environment for job creators.
Unclear Statement of philosophy about government role; no specific policies or outcomes documented.
Tim O'Hare Republican
About their own record · County and city offices, and local measures
Tarrant County is safest large county in Texas and America.
Unclear Superlative claim; no supporting statistics or comparative data provided.
Greg Abbott Republican
About their own record · Governor
Texas and Florida lead America in educating students; no two universities do it better.
Unclear Comparative claim about education leadership; no supporting data provided.
Ken Paxton campaign Republican → James Talarico Democrat
Attack on an opponent · U.S. Senate
Talarico uses his beliefs to justify radical positions including support for the trans agenda.
No evidence given Paxton campaign claims Talarico supports trans agenda; material provides no evidence of this.
Republicans Republican
About their own record · Other
Changes to Texas election laws over past two decades make elections more secure.
Unclear Disputed by Democrats; court decisions on laws were mixed; no resolution in material.
Donald Trump Republican → James Talarico Democrat
Attack on an opponent · U.S. Senate
Talarico is the antithesis of Texas values.
Backed by a record Opinion statement; material provides no factual basis for or against this characterization.
Update Oct 20: Trump posted criticism of Talarico on Truth Social on Thursday, calling him 'antithesis of Texas values.'
Karl Rove Republican → John Cornyn Republican
Other claim · U.S. Senate
The Senate race would be over if Cornyn had defeated Paxton in the primary.
Unclear Speculation about hypothetical outcome; material shows Paxton defeated Cornyn but no factual basis for Rove's claim.
Ken Paxton Republican
About their own record · Attorney General
Temu settlement is a historic victory for data privacy and consumer protection.
Backed by a record Temu agreed to $3 million settlement, store Texas residents' data on US-owned servers, conduct annual safety testing.
Greg Abbott Republican
About their own record · Governor
Abbott signed Vice President Vance's Pledge to Protect Americans from Fraud on Oct. 15, 2026.
Backed by a record Abbott signed pledge on Oct. 15, 2026, joining 22 governors total committing to combat fraud in federal benefit programs.
Greg Abbott Republican
About their own record · Governor
Waste, fraud, and abuse have bogged down systems and benefits meant to support the needy.
Unclear Statement of opinion about fraud's impact; no supporting data provided in material.
Patrick Von Dohlen Republican → Ron Nirenberg Democrat
Attack on an opponent · County and city offices, and local measures
We've had over eight years of disturbing leadership by the former mayor of San Antonio.
Unclear General criticism of Nirenberg's record without specific examples of disturbing actions.
Patrick Von Dohlen Republican → Ron Nirenberg Democrat
Attack on an opponent · County and city offices, and local measures
My motivation for getting in this race was to stop Nirenberg from becoming Bexar County Judge.
Unclear Statement of candidate's motivation; does not reference specific policy disagreements.
Ken Paxton campaign Republican → James Talarico Democrat
About their own record · U.S. Senate
Like President Donald Trump, Ken Paxton has been politically persecuted for years; voters have seen through it.
Unclear Statement comparing Paxton's legal challenges to Trump's; assessment of persecution and voter perception unclear.
Jeff Leach Republican → Transgender Education Network of Texas
Attack on an opponent · Other
Toolkit encourages students to challenge decisions rejecting Gender and Sexuality Alliance clubs.
Unclear Leach's description of toolkit guidance; toolkit offers alternatives like hobby-based clubs.
Jeff Leach Republican → Transgender Education Network of Texas
Attack on an opponent · Other
Toolkit contains guidance appearing to encourage circumventing Senate Bill 12.
Unclear Leach's characterization of toolkit content; SB 12 prohibits employee assistance with social transitioning.
Ben Ivey Republican
About their own record · County and city offices, and local measures
Experience as prosecutor, defense lawyer, and judge shapes how he runs the court.
Backed by a record Ivey was assistant district attorney and had 20+ years private practice; appointed to 120th District Court.
Ken Paxton campaign Republican
About their own record · U.S. Senate
Anosh Ahmed donated $40,000 to Paxton in 2022 and $125,000 from 2023 onward.
Backed by a record FEC filings and campaign records documented these contributions from Ahmed.
Greg Abbott Republican
Promise · Governor
Urging suspension of federal tax deadlines and waiver of late fees for storm-affected Texans.
Backed by a record Abbott sent formal request to Treasury Secretary Bessent Oct. 15, 2026 for specific tax relief measures.
Republicans Republican → James Talarico Democrat
Attack on an opponent · U.S. Senate
Talarico was moderating for his campaign; stated positions ran contrary to his Texas House record.
Unclear Allegation that town hall positions contradicted legislative record; no specific votes cited.
Chris Gustafson Republican → James Talarico Democrat
Attack on an opponent · U.S. Senate
Talarico proved he is simply too liberal and too dangerous for Texas.
Unclear Opinion of Senate Leadership Fund official; characterization is subjective.
Greg Abbott campaign Republican → Gina Hinojosa Democrat
Attack on an opponent · Governor
Hinojosa event was not sincere debate attempt; empty lectern was inaccessible to Abbott in wheelchair.
Unclear Campaign response to debate format; represents accessibility concern raised by Abbott campaign.
Ken Paxton Republican
About their own record · Attorney General
Ensuring data center companies comply with state law and do not burden taxpayers.
Unclear Characterization of enforcement action's purpose; no contradicting information provided.
Ken Paxton Republican
About their own record · Attorney General
Actively investigating data centers to protect Texans and natural resources.
Backed by a record Office sent letters to 156 data center developments requiring water usage information.
Ken Paxton Republican
About their own record · Attorney General
Data center developers must follow the law and respect Texans and communities.
Unclear General statement about enforcement action; no specific claim to verify.
Donald Trump Republican → Ken Paxton Republican
Promise · U.S. Senate
Paxton will be a great senator, just like he is a great Attorney General.
Unclear Opinion about Paxton's performance and potential; not verifiable from material.
Donald Trump Republican → John Cornyn Republican
Attack on an opponent · U.S. Senate
Cornyn and Rove are hurting Texas and the United States.
Unclear Opinion about impact of political figures; material does not settle this.
John Cornyn Republican → Ken Paxton Republican
Attack on an opponent · U.S. Senate
Paxton is a poor campaigner and lazy.
Disputed Opinion statement; material reports Cornyn said this but provides no objective basis.
Update Oct 20: Paxton raised $18M in Q3, described as his best quarter, contradicting claim he is poor at fundraising.
Donald Trump Republican → John Cornyn Republican
Attack on an opponent · U.S. Senate
If Paxton loses, it will be because of Cornyn and Rove.
Backed by a record Prediction; Cornyn has not endorsed Paxton but material does not establish direct causation.
Update Oct 20: Trump posted that if Paxton loses, it will be because of Cornyn and Rove.
Donald Trump Republican → John Cornyn Republican
Attack on an opponent · U.S. Senate
Cornyn and Rove are doing everything possible to make it hard for Paxton to win.
Backed by a record Cornyn has not endorsed Paxton and said he would not move money toward campaign, but material does not confirm all-out effort to undermine.
Update Oct 20: Trump posted on Truth Social that Cornyn and Rove are doing everything possible to make it hard for Paxton to win.
Don Huffines Republican
Promise · Comptroller of Public Accounts
Rising sales tax revenue gives local officials a chance to reduce property taxes and afford housing.
Unclear Statement about opportunity; material shows sales tax increases but not property tax action.
Greg Abbott Republican
Promise · Governor
I'm going to win this race.
Unclear Campaign promise about election outcome; not verifiable from material.
Greg Abbott Republican
Promise · Governor
Polls don't win elections; polls are often wrong.
Unclear General statement about polling accuracy; not verifiable from material.
Abbott campaign Republican → Gina Hinojosa Democrat
Attack on an opponent · Governor
Hinojosa voted more than 40 times for higher property taxes.
Unclear Existing claim #82 involves debate on property taxes; material does not verify specific votes.
Democratic side (25)
Jon Rosenthal Democrat
Promise · Railroad Commissioner
Create fees for companies storing oil and gas wastewater underground.
Unclear Campaign promise related to Railroad Commission oversight function but no details provided.
Jon Rosenthal Democrat
Promise · Railroad Commissioner
Pursue chronic polluters and bolster oversight of natural gas facilities.
Unclear Campaign promise consistent with Railroad Commission duties but no details provided.
Vasant Bhatt Democrat
Other claim · U.S. Senate
Family contributed through hard work and sacrifice; opposes being treated as perpetual foreigner.
Unclear Social media post expressing personal values; not a campaign claim by candidate or official.
Vasant Bhatt Democrat
Other claim · U.S. Senate
Disgusted by xenophobia, racial resentment, and attacks on Indian-American identity.
Unclear Social media post expressing personal views; not a campaign claim by candidate or official.
Gina Hinojosa Democrat → Greg Abbott Republican
Promise · Governor
Running for governor to secure schools and put money in your pocket.
Unclear Campaign promise statement without measurable or verifiable backing in material provided.
James Talarico Democrat
About their own record · U.S. Senate
Talarico's campaign raised $134.3 million from 1.3 million individual donors, 97% giving $100 or less.
Backed by a record Sources cite donation records and amounts.
James Talarico Democrat
Other claim · U.S. Senate
Compared Senate campaign to David fighting Goliath against GOP and Musk spending.
Backed by a record Material confirms Talarico made this comparison and documents over $158 million in outside spending.
Democrats Democrat
About their own record · Other
Voting should be made easier, not harder.
Unclear Statement of position; material shows ID requirements increased but no settlement of efficacy debate.
James Talarico Democrat → Donald Trump Republican
Attack on an opponent · U.S. Senate
Trump administration engaged in corruption and misuse of federal immigration enforcement.
No evidence given Material reports Talarico's statement but provides no documentation or sources for these claims.
Gina Hinojosa Democrat
Promise · Governor
Campaign centers on economic relief and public education platform.
Backed by a record Platform includes $1,500 household refund checks from state surplus, freezing utility rates, addressing property and grocery bills.
Ron Nirenberg Democrat
Promise · County and city offices, and local measures
County government should support working families through healthcare access and economic opportunity.
Unclear General campaign platform statement without specific policy proposals.
James Talarico Democrat → Ken Paxton Republican
Attack on an opponent · U.S. Senate
A party with multiple fugitives, and Ken Paxton is still the sketchiest guy in the room.
No evidence given Material states two men at party were indicted and hadn't returned to U.S., not fugitives. Report found no fraud links to Paxton.
James Talarico Democrat
About their own record · U.S. Senate
We have an affordability crisis because we have a corruption crisis.
Unclear Statement of causal claim about economic and political conditions; disputed by different viewpoints.
James Talarico Democrat
Promise · U.S. Senate
Policy levers like sex education and healthcare can reduce the number of abortions.
Unclear Statement of campaign position; effectiveness is matter of opinion and policy debate.
James Talarico Democrat
Promise · U.S. Senate
Supports voter ID as long as it is fair.
Unclear Statement of position; 'fair' is subjective and undefined.
James Talarico Democrat
Promise · U.S. Senate
Closing billionaire tax loopholes and ending the war in Iran could help tackle national debt.
Unclear Statement of campaign position; no independent verification of economic impact provided.
James Talarico Democrat
Other claim · U.S. Senate
Directs criticism toward Netanyahu, not the Israeli people, regarding Gaza deaths.
Unclear Statement of political position; no external verification of consistency provided.
Gina Hinojosa campaign Democrat → Greg Abbott Republican
About their own record · Governor
Abbott had agreed to four debates with news outlets; had not accepted any debate invitations.
Disputed Material shows Abbott declined four media debate invitations; campaign did not confirm accepting any debates.
Jacob Long Democrat → Gina Hinojosa Democrat
About their own record · Governor
Hinojosa traveling state hosting more than 150 public events, meeting thousands of voters.
Unclear Statement of campaign activity; no independent verification of event count provided.
Gina Hinojosa Democrat
Poll they cite · Governor
Separate polls show Hinojosa ahead of Abbott with 19 days until election.
Unclear Polls cited but not specified; no specific poll data provided in material.
Gina Hinojosa Democrat → Greg Abbott Republican
Attack on an opponent · Governor
Governor hiding from failed record; Texas has most uninsured people and children without insurance.
Unclear Hinojosa's claim about uninsured rates; no independent data source provided to verify ranking.
Gina Hinojosa Democrat → Greg Abbott Republican
Attack on an opponent · Governor
If Abbott is not man enough to debate me, he does not deserve to be governor.
Unclear Opinion regarding debate refusal; Abbott's campaign cited accessibility concerns about empty lectern.
James Talarico Democrat
Promise · U.S. Senate
People-powered movement will change the broken, corrupt political system.
Unclear Campaign promise about effects of grassroots movement; not verifiable from material.
James Talarico Democrat
Promise · U.S. Senate
Grassroots contributors from across Texas are coming together to end billionaire control.
Unclear Political characterization; material shows fundraising details but not intent of donors.
Gina Hinojosa Democrat
About their own record · Governor
I have never voted to increase property taxes.
Disputed Direct contradiction to Abbott campaign claim of more than 40 votes for higher property taxes.
Others and outside groups
Other claim · Other
Once you receive a ballot, don't wait to send it back.
Unclear Election official advising voters on timing for mail ballots.
Poll they cite · U.S. Senate
The race between Talarico and Paxton is closely watched and enters final weeks.
Unclear Statement of observation about race status without supporting data or verification.
Transgender Education Network of Texas
About their own record · Other
Did not author, authorize, approve or distribute the physical mailers.
Backed by a record TENT stated it believes an unknown party is impersonating the organization.
Poll they cite · U.S. Senate
The Texas U.S. Senate race is in a dead heat.
Unclear Sheet reports poll claim without specifying which poll or results cited.
Other claim · Other
Democrats need net gain of three House seats to take back the House.
Unclear NBC News reporting cited but specific source documentation not provided in sheet.
Other claim · Other
Democrats need net gain of four Senate seats to win control.
Unclear NBC News reporting cited but specific source documentation not provided in sheet.
Poll they cite · Governor
Abbott at 49%, Hinojosa at 46%, Dixon at 2% in governor race.
Backed by a record University of Houston poll data released October 2026 detailed in Forbes, Political Wire, NBC News.
Poll they cite · U.S. Senate
Talarico at 48%, Paxton at 46%, Brown at 3% in Senate race.
Backed by a record University of Houston poll data released October 2026 detailed in Forbes, Political Wire, NBC News.
Rob Giesecke Independent
About their own record · County and city offices, and local measures
He worked with small businesses on drainage, transportation and government regulation impacts.
Unclear Claim about candidate's work without verification or documentation in material provided.
Rob Giesecke Independent
About their own record · County and city offices, and local measures
He achieved a zero property tax rate for the Port Freeport Port Commission.
Unclear Claim about Giesecke's record as Port Commission chairman since 2021 but no verification provided.
Other claim · U.S. Senate
Campaign environment more favorable for Democrats based on fundraising patterns.
Unclear Analysis of fundraising patterns provided but overall campaign environment assessment not independently verified.
Other claim · U.S. Senate
2026 could be the most expensive midterm cycle ever.
Unclear Over $500 million spent or reserved in Texas Senate race cited, but national comparison not documented.
Mike Garcia Independent → James Talarico Democrat
Attack on an opponent · U.S. Senate
Talarico puts political ambitions ahead of truth.
Unclear Former classmate makes accusation but provides no documentation or specific examples.
Mark Jones → Ken Paxton Republican
Attack on an opponent · U.S. Senate
Republican Senate candidate Paxton is deeply flawed.
Unclear Analyst opinion; no specific documentation provided in material.
University of Texas/Texas Politics Project
Poll they cite · U.S. Senate
Talarico leads Paxton 50% to 47% in U.S. Senate race.
Backed by a record Poll conducted Sept. 25 to Oct. 5, cited by multiple sources.
Jesse Watters Independent → James Talarico Democrat
Attack on an opponent · U.S. Senate
Talarico's nine days absence recovering from flu killed campaign momentum.
Unclear Opinion about campaign impact; absence from illness not contradicted but momentum claim is speculative.
Jesse Watters Independent → Ken Paxton Republican
About their own record · U.S. Senate
Paxton was the best attorney general in the country for the last eight years.
Unclear Subjective statement of opinion; no objective criteria or documentation provided.
Jesse Watters Independent → Ken Paxton Republican
Attack on an opponent · U.S. Senate
Paxton has a whiff of corruption around him and something off-putting.
Unclear Host opinion; no specific evidence or documentation provided.
Jordan Walker Ross → James Talarico Democrat
Attack on an opponent · U.S. Senate
Talarico brings Democrats and Republicans together to take on corporate special interests.
Unclear Endorsement claim; material shows Ross released video endorsement but provides no documentation.
Jordan Walker Ross → James Talarico Democrat
Attack on an opponent · U.S. Senate
Talarico lives Christian values, loves his neighbor, takes care of the needy and sick.
Unclear Endorsement claim; material shows Ross is an actor and released endorsement but provides no documentation.
About their own record · County and city offices, and local measures
Data center abatement secured closed-loop cooling system instead of well using 1.2 million gallons daily.
Backed by a record Material states Whitson claimed abatement brought project inside city limits with more oversight.
Attack on an opponent · Texas House
Public money should not be put toward private institutions.
Unclear Policy statement opposing certain public funding; no specific claims or context.
Promise · Texas House
Students should have education options that fit their needs.
Unclear General platform statement without specific policy details.
About their own record · Texas House
Public schools need more money; teacher shortages, crowded classrooms and disabled students are concerns.
Unclear Statement of concerns about public schools; accuracy of claims about conditions unclear.
Attack on an opponent · Texas House
Children should not be placed in public schools simply to add to attendance averages.
Unclear Statement opposing public school enrollment policies; context and party affiliation unclear.
Poll they cite · U.S. Senate
Poll released Wednesday found 8% of Republican voters backed Talarico.
Backed by a record Marist University poll result cited as released during town hall week.
Poll they cite · U.S. Senate
53% of likely voters say Paxton will win the election.
Unclear Poll finding about voter expectations; does not verify actual election outcome.
Nick Sortor → James Talarico Democrat
Other claim · U.S. Senate
Talarico was receiving treatment at Lindner Center of Hope in Ohio.
Unclear Material does not confirm or deny this claim; only mentions flu diagnosis on Sept. 30.
Poll they cite · U.S. Senate
Talarico leads Paxton 48% to 44% among registered voters; 2 points among likely voters.
Backed by a record Poll conducted Oct. 8-11 among 1,196 registered voters; margin of error ±4.3 points.
What the labels mean
- Backed by a record: A source cites a record, document or data that supports it.
- Disputed: The other side or a source contradicts it.
- No evidence given: The reporting shows no record or data behind it.
- Unclear: The reporting doesn't settle it either way.
- "Said N times" counts how often the same talking point turned up in separate reports. When later reporting backs up or contradicts a claim, its label changes and the update is dated.
Got a campaign text or mailer?
Paste the text you got, or add a photo of the mailer. Remove your own name, address and phone number first. Nothing goes up until it's checked, and your picture is never posted: only the campaign's claims are.
Tomorrow's Texas news, at 6 in the morning
One email every morning with the past day's stories, down to the facts, including every dollar figure and who pays it.