Vance's Talarico Attacks Show Penchant for Broadsides
The gist
Vance attacked Talarico over LGBTQ+ youth views at a Tyler rally for Paxton.
The Texas Senate race is tighter than Republicans expected before Nov. 3.
How it unfolded
- Oct 7, 2026At a San Antonio rally, Trump and Paxton criticized Talarico's two-week hiatus from the campaign trail. Paxton said, "Where do you think they hid that little socialist?" and Trump said, "We're going to crush Dumbocrat Communist James Talafreako" and called for a debate.
- Oct 13, 2026Vice President JD Vance campaigned in Tyler, Texas, endorsing Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton and criticizing Democratic nominee James Talarico ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Vance announced plans to use the Defense Production Act to expand Tyler's local Delek refinery, promising hundreds of new jobs and increased fuel production.
- Oct 13, 2026At the Tyler rally, when a supporter yelled "I love you," Vance responded, "I love you too, sir. And in a totally platonic way... I'm the vice president, not James Talarico." Vance twice attacked Talarico over his views on LGBTQ+ youth and made unsubstantiated claims about his search history.