{
  "id": 16583518,
  "title": "Paxton, Talarico accuse each other of being outsiders",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/26/paxton-talarico-accuse-each-other-of-being-outsiders",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-26T08:55:35.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Semafor",
    "slug": "semafor",
    "url": "https://www.semafor.com/article/10/26/2026/paxton-talarico-accuse-each-other-of-being-outsiders"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Selma, Texas — In the closing days of their competitive Senate race, James Talarico and Ken Paxton are engaging in attacks against each other, branding one another as outsiders more aligned with California than Texas. At a Paxton rally in the San Antonio suburbs, retired Rep. Darrell Issa, from California, warned voters not to elect Talarico, citing his California roots and expertise in technology. Paxton echoed similar sentiments, stating, \"California has two senators; it doesn't need a third from here.\" The following day, Talarico accused Paxton, who has ties to California, of being a true Californian, stating, \"Ken Paxton is not one of us. He’s not even from Texas. He’s from California, just like Elon Musk.\" As the midterms approach, economic concerns remain a central focus for both candidates, with high inflation taking a toll on voters. Talarico and Paxton both acknowledged the impact of rising costs on everyday expenses, but Talarico suggested tax deductions for medical bills, new home purchases, or healthy lifestyle choices as a potential solution. Paxton, on the other hand, has not distanced himself from President Donald Trump. Talarico, meanwhile, suggested that the election hinged on whether voters wanted a senator who would benefit them or one who would benefit themselves. Democrats are cautiously optimistic about the race, as recent polls show Talarico leading narrowly. However, there is still a lingering sense of disappointment from the 2018 loss of Beto O’Rourke to Texas Senator Ted Cruz. Ronnie Smith, a 66-year-old resident of Schertz, Texas, who attended a Talarico campaign rally alongside actress Eva Longoria, expressed optimism about Talarico's candidacy but remained cautious about the outcome.",
  "summary": "Both Texas Senate candidates also acknowledged the impact of high prices on voters at their events over the weekend.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}