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Early voting is open through Oct. 30. Election Day is Nov. 3, 15 days away. Elections

Elections Updated October 5, 12:01 am

U.S. Senate candidates Paxton and Talarico answer questions from Hispanic Business Council

Ken Paxton and James Talarico, candidates for U.S. Senate, separately answered questions from the United States Hispanic Business Council about healthcare, immigration, and affordability. Paxton appeared in person on Monday; Talarico appeared via Zoom on Wednesday after being diagnosed with the flu. The council's president asked both candidates identical questions.

Where
Texas
When
Oct. 3, 2026
Sources
One outlet

Taxes and money

The sources don't state an effect on taxes. They do state these figures.

  • Tax deduction for first- and second-time homebuyers$50,0001 2 4 5
  • Tax deduction for medical expenses per dependent$25,0001 2 4 5
  • Tax deduction for spending on costs tied to making healthy choices$5,0001 2 4 5

Does this affect you?

Who's involved

  • Ken PaxtonU.S. Senate candidate
  • James TalaricoU.S. Senate candidate
  • Javier PalomarezPresident and CEO, United States Hispanic Business Council
  • United States Hispanic Business CouncilOrganization that hosted candidate interviews

The facts

  • Paxton and Talarico separately answered questions from USHBC on healthcare, immigration, and affordability.1 2 4 5 Stated by 4 sources
  • Paxton appeared in person on Monday; Talarico appeared via Zoom after being diagnosed with the flu.1 2 4 5 Stated by 4 sources
  • USHBC's polling found rising cost of groceries, rent, and living expenses is the top issue among members.1 2 4 5 Stated by 4 sources
  • Talarico helped pass bipartisan legislation easing building requirements for affordable housing in Texas.1 2 4 5 Stated by 4 sources
  • Paxton outlined his economic 'Protecting the Texas Promise Plan' with three tax deductions for consumers.1 2 4 5 Stated by 4 sources
  • Paxton said he would support work authorization program only if the border is secured first.1 2 4 5 Stated by 4 sources
  • Talarico described himself as a pro-border security Democrat and supports more legal pathways to citizenship.1 2 4 5 Stated by 4 sources
  • No live debate has been scheduled yet between Paxton and Talarico as of early October.1 2 4 5 Stated by 4 sources

Who said what

These are statements and claims made by the people involved. They are reported, not verified.

  • James Talarico Young people in their 20s and 30s cannot afford to buy homes anymore.1 2 4 5
  • James Talarico His New American Dream initiative aims to address the rising cost of living and affordability.1 2 4 5
  • Ken Paxton America-first policy is needed that benefits Americans here and allows workforce needs to be met.1 2 4 5
  • James Talarico More legal pathways for hardworking immigrants should be created for those already in Texas.1 2 4 5

Sources

Outlets: 6 not rated Who's covering Texas →

These outlets were found through Google News headlines. Google decides which outlets appear there, and they lean mostly one way, so this sheet can only be as balanced as the reporting it was built from. Leanings are AllSides Media Bias Ratings.

  1. State of Texas: No Paxton vs. Talarico Senate debate yet. Here’s the closest thing voters have to one KTSM 9 News Not rated, October 3, 2026
  2. State of Texas: No Paxton vs. Talarico Senate debate yet. Here’s the closest thing voters have to one valleycentral.com Not rated, October 3, 2026
  3. State of Texas: No Paxton vs. Talarico Senate debate yet. Here’s the closest thing voters have to one KXAN Austin Not rated, October 3, 2026
  4. State of Texas: No Paxton vs. Talarico Senate debate yet. Here’s the closest thing voters have to one AOL.ca Not rated, October 3, 2026
  5. State of Texas: No Paxton vs. Talarico Senate debate yet. Here’s the closest thing voters have to one KRQE Not rated, October 4, 2026
  6. State of Texas: No Paxton vs. Talarico Senate debate yet. Here’s the closest thing voters have to one CW39 Houston Not rated, October 4, 2026

Also reported by aol.com, BorderReport, ConchoValleyHomepage.com, yourbasin.com.

This sheet was written by AI from the sources above and adds nothing they don't state. Read the originals for full context.

Spot an error on this sheet?

All corrections and updates

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Two Texas county judge races are scheduled for the Nov. 3 election. In Bexar County, Republican Patrick Von Dohlen is challenging Democrat Ron Nirenberg. In Brazoria County, Republican Rob Giesecke, independent Lucinda Henry and Democrat Eugene Howard are running to replace retiring County Judge Matt Sebesta.

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Reported by 2 outletsFound via Google News

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Reported by 2 outletsFound via Google News

Democratic and Republican Senate candidates report third-quarter campaign fundraising totals

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$60 million for campaign funds raised, third quarter 2026

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Reported by 6 outletsFound via Google News

Elon Musk donates $158 million to support Ken Paxton Senate campaign

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$158 million for donation to Senate Leadership Fund

Elon Musk, Donor; Ken Paxton, Republican Senate candidate; James Talarico, Democratic Senate candidate and 3 more

Reported by 5 outletsFound via Google News

Talarico's former classmate accuses him of prioritizing politics over truth

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James Talarico, Democratic Texas Senate candidate; Mike Garcia, former college classmate making accusation; Will Cain, Fox News host

Reported by 2 outletsOnly right-leaning outlets reported thisFound via Google News

Senate candidate Talarico schedules El Paso campaign rally October 26

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James Talarico, Democratic U.S. Senate candidate; Ken Paxton, Republican U.S. Senate candidate, Texas Attorney General

Reported by 4 outletsFound via Google News

"No Kings" organizers hold vote early event in Dallas Saturday

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Indivisible Dallas, organizer of Dallas gathering; Black Voters Matter Texas, participating organization

Reported by 4 outletsFound via Google News

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