Texas GOP Senate nominee Ken Paxton rallied supporters in McAllen last week, emphasizing border security and cultural issues to maintain Republican gains with Latino voters. Democratic rival James Talarico followed with his own event the next day, stressing economic concerns. The visits highlight tensions over immigration enforcement in the border region.
Paxton addressed hundreds of supporters at an outdoor beer hall in 100-degree heat. He touted former President Donald Trump’s border policies and criticized Democratic nominee Talarico on transgender sports and other social topics.
Local residents described economic hardship from recent deportations and slowed cross-border traffic. Construction projects have stalled and retail sales have dropped as Mexican shoppers stay away.
Talarico, who visited McAllen 16 hours later, focused on cost-of-living issues and unveiled a plan to add Border Patrol agents. A New York Times poll from June showed him leading Paxton 61 percent to 29 percent among Hispanic voters in Texas.
