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$50,0001245
Tax deduction for medical expenses per dependent$25,0001245
Tax deduction for spending on costs tied to making healthy choices$5,0001245
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.1245Stated by 4 sources
Paxton appeared in person on Monday; Talarico appeared via Zoom after being diagnosed with the flu.1245Stated by 4 sources
USHBC's polling found rising cost of groceries, rent, and living expenses is the top issue among members.1245Stated by 4 sources
Talarico helped pass bipartisan legislation easing building requirements for affordable housing in Texas.1245Stated by 4 sources
Paxton outlined his economic 'Protecting the Texas Promise Plan' with three tax deductions for consumers.1245Stated by 4 sources
Paxton said he would support work authorization program only if the border is secured first.1245Stated by 4 sources
Talarico described himself as a pro-border security Democrat and supports more legal pathways to citizenship.1245Stated by 4 sources
No live debate has been scheduled yet between Paxton and Talarico as of early October.1245Stated 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.1245
James Talarico His New American Dream initiative aims to address the rising cost of living and affordability.1245
Ken Paxton America-first policy is needed that benefits Americans here and allows workforce needs to be met.1245
James Talarico More legal pathways for hardworking immigrants should be created for those already in Texas.1245
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.
Gina Hinojosa, the Democratic nominee for Texas governor, was interviewed about her campaign. She is running to secure schools and put money in voters' pockets, and is challenging Republican incumbent Greg Abbott.
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.
Patrick Von Dohlen, Republican candidate for Bexar County judge; Ron Nirenberg, Democrat candidate for Bexar County judge; Rob Giesecke, Republican candidate for Brazoria County judge and 3 more
County clerks and election administrators across Texas are implementing security procedures before early voting begins October 19. Travis County plans 201 voting locations on Election Day. Multiple counties conducted security training for poll workers.
Travis County Clerk Dyana Limon-Mercado, Travis County Clerk; Bexar County Elections Administrator Michele Carew, Bexar County Elections Administrator; Dallas County Elections Administrator Paul Adams, Dallas County Elections Administrator and 2 more
Democratic and Republican candidates released third-quarter campaign fundraising reports for the 2026 midterm elections. Democrat James Talarico's Texas Senate campaign raised $60 million between July and September, while Republican Ken Paxton's campaign raised about $10 million in the same period. Elon Musk's super PAC has heavily backed Paxton's campaign.
$$60 million for campaign funds raised, third quarter 2026
James Talarico, Democrat candidate for Texas Senate; Ken Paxton, Republican candidate for Texas Senate; Elon Musk, Tech billionaire and super PAC backer of Republican candidates
Elon Musk donated $158 million to the Senate Leadership Fund in September 2026, which transferred the money to Texas PAC to finance advertising supporting Republican Ken Paxton in his Senate race against Democrat James Talarico.
$$158 million for donation to Senate Leadership Fund
Elon Musk, Donor; Ken Paxton, Republican Senate candidate; James Talarico, Democratic Senate candidate and 3 more
Mike Garcia, a former college classmate of Democratic Texas Senate candidate James Talarico, appeared on Fox News to accuse Talarico of putting political ambitions ahead of truthfulness.
James Talarico, Democratic Texas Senate candidate; Mike Garcia, former college classmate making accusation; Will Cain, Fox News host
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico announced a campaign rally in El Paso on October 26 from 6 to 8 p.m., with doors opening at 5 p.m. The event is part of his "Clear Eyes, Full Hearts" statewide tour ahead of the November 3 election.
James Talarico, Democratic U.S. Senate candidate; Ken Paxton, Republican U.S. Senate candidate, Texas Attorney General
Organizers of the "No Kings" movement held a gathering in Dallas to encourage early voting. The event included speakers, music, community activities, voting information, and election volunteer opportunities.
Indivisible Dallas, organizer of Dallas gathering; Black Voters Matter Texas, participating organization