Even Anti-Trans Panic Couldn’t Save Republicans in Deep-Red Texas
As James Talarico beat Ken Paxton in a historic Democratic flip, a Republican campaign run on transphobia fell short. The post Even Anti-Trans Panic Couldn’t Save Republicans in Deep-Red Texas appeared first on The Intercept .
Republicans suffered a major defeat in Texas' deep-red districts on election night, falling short even in a traditionally conservative state. The GOP's campaign strategy of targeting transgender rights proved ineffective, despite their $78 million worth of anti-trans advertisements. Democrat James Talarico emerged victorious in the Senate race, defeating Republican incumbent Ken Paxton, who had relied heavily on fearmongering about transgender issues.
Talarico's win was paired with that of Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gina Hinojosa, who narrowly defeated incumbent Governor Greg Abbott. Despite Paxton's vast ad spend, a significant portion of which was targeted at Talarico, voters appeared more concerned with everyday issues like gas prices. Talarico's wavering stance on transgender athletes' participation in sports did not seem to sway many voters, who were more preoccupied with everyday concerns than with transgender rights.
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- Even Anti-Trans Panic Couldn’t Save Republicans in Deep-Red Texas theintercept.com