{
  "id": 17611,
  "title": "In South Texas, Paxton tests the limits of Trump’s Hispanic coalition",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/07/25/in-south-texas-paxton-tests-the-limits-of-trumps-hispanic-coalition",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-07-25T18:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "POLITICO",
    "slug": "politico",
    "url": "https://www.politico.com/news/2026/07/25/paxton-talarico-texas-senate-latino-voters-01005951"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In South Texas, Ken Paxton, the Texas GOP Senate nominee, is attempting to capitalize on President Donald Trump's success with Hispanic voters. During a campaign rally in McAllen, a city nearly entirely Latino, Paxton touted Trump's closure of the border and highlighted the cultural differences between Democrats and Republicans. However, Paxton also criticized Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico for his stance on transgender issues, calling him a \"low T\" and mocking his views on transitioning boys and girls.\n\nWhile Paxton's strategy of focusing on cultural issues has worked for Republicans in the past, it's not without consequences. The Rio Grande Valley, where McAllen is located, is experiencing economic strain due to Trump's policies. Deportations have decimated workforces in critical industries like construction, leading to unfinished projects and a slowdown in retail and restaurants. The overall border squeeze has caused residents, including U.S. citizens, to become increasingly fearful of ICE agents and alter their daily routines.\n\nDespite the economic challenges, a recent POLITICO Poll revealed that 60% of Hispanics believe Trump's mass deportation campaign has been too aggressive. In McAllen, 62% of Hispanics expressed dissatisfaction with the crackdown, with many advocating for a reversal of Trump's policies. Democratic candidates like Talarico and gubernatorial nominee Gina Hinojosa have been more successful in appealing to Hispanic voters by emphasizing issues directly impacting family life, such as the cost of living and healthcare.\n\nThe tide may be turning towards Democrats in this competitive Senate race and other races that will determine control of the federal government.",
  "summary": "A visit to the Rio Grande Valley reveals a border community buckling under the weight of Republicans’ immigration policies.",
  "key_points": [
    "Ken Paxton, Texas GOP Senate nominee, leverages Trump's appeal to Hispanic voters.",
    "Paxton criticizes James Talarico over transgender issues, branding him \"low T\".",
    "60% of Hispanics in McAllen oppose Trump's aggressive deportation campaign."
  ],
  "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."
}