Senator Bernie Sanders held a rally in Houston on Tuesday on his "Fighting Oligarchy" tour. Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico and gubernatorial nominee Gina Hinojosa did not attend the event.
Brandon RottinghausUniversity of Houston political scientist
Catherine FrazierTexans for Greg Abbott Communications Director
The facts
Democratic Senate candidate Talarico and gubernatorial nominee Hinojosa did not attend Sanders' Houston rally.2
Sanders' "Fighting Oligarchy" tour event occurred on Tuesday in Houston.2
A June 2026 University of Texas/Texas Politics Project poll found 29 percent of Texans viewed democratic socialism favorably, 46 percent unfavorably.2
Who said what
These are statements and claims made by the people involved. They are reported, not verified.
Catherine Frazier, Texans for Greg Abbott Communications Director Hinojosa has aligned with those who embrace Democratic Socialists agenda: higher taxes, violent criminals in neighborhoods, predators in bathrooms, men in women's sports.1
Mark Jones, Rice University political scientist Sanders' effort is likely more negative than positive for Texas Democrats and appearing with him is poor political advice.2
Brandon Rottinghaus, University of Houston political scientist Sanders' visit complicates Democrats' messaging on affordability and opens doors to other progressive issues they may not want as closing argument.2
How they headlined it
The same event, as each outlet put it. Marked words appear in only one outlet's headline.
SANDERS’ TEXAS VISIT PUTS SPOTLIGHT ON HINOJOSA’S HIGH-TAX RECORD
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.
More than 72,000 Bexar County residents voted in person by midafternoon on the second day of early voting. County officials addressed ballot style errors, long lines, and a printing problem affecting voter registration cards.
Michele Carew, Bexar County Elections Office administrator
Republican Carlos De La Cruz and Democrat Johnny Garcia are competing for the newly redrawn Texas 35th Congressional District. The district was redrawn in 2025 to flip from Democratic to Republican, moving from Austin to South Texas near San Antonio.
Carlos De La Cruz, Republican candidate for Texas 35th Congressional District; Johnny Garcia, Democratic candidate for Texas 35th Congressional District; Donald Trump, Endorsed De La Cruz in February and 7 more
President Donald Trump will campaign in Lubbock on October 27 for Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is running for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by John Cornyn against Democratic state Rep. James Talarico.
Donald Trump, U.S. President campaigning; Ken Paxton, Texas Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate; James Talarico, Texas state Representative and Democratic U.S. Senate candidate and 1 more
President Donald Trump is conducting a 32-day midterm campaign tour visiting multiple states. He plans to announce new economic initiatives tailored to each state's local economy and highlight past accomplishments including tax cuts, border security measures, and deregulatory efforts.
Donald Trump, President; James Talarico, Democrat candidate mentioned in campaign context
Republican Mark Keough is running for a third term as Montgomery County judge against Democratic challenger James Graf in the Nov. 3 general election. Keough, who took office in 2019, said he wants to continue building on his accomplishments. Graf pledged to serve just one term and focus on long-term financial planning.
$$480 million for road bond
Mark Keough, Republican candidate for Montgomery County judge, incumbent serving third term; James Graf, Democratic challenger for Montgomery County judge
Country band The Chicks invited Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico on stage during their concert at San Antonio's Majestic Theater on Saturday, October 19, 2026. Talarico praised the band as an example of "Texas excellence."
The Chicks, Country band performing concert; James Talarico, Democratic U.S. Senate candidate; Natalie Maines, Frontwoman of The Chicks and 1 more
Pamphlets falsely marketed as coming from the Texas Transgender Student Union were mailed to families across Texas during early voting. An LLC with that name was formed in Wyoming in early September, with a Houston post office box listed. The real Transgender Education Network of Texas (TENT) denied involvement and said the mailers do not represent the organization.
Texas Transgender Student Union, LLC formed in Wyoming; company behind the false mailers; Transgender Education Network of Texas (TENT), Advocacy group impersonated by the mailers; denied involvement
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott held campaign events in Fort Worth on October 19 and Beaumont on October 20, urging voters to support Republican candidates ahead of the November 3, 2026 general election.
Greg Abbott, Texas Governor, Republican candidate for reelection; Gina Hinojosa, Democratic candidate for Texas Governor; Ray Callas, Republican nominee for Texas House District 21