Politics
Texas lawmaker says Ken Paxton must debate James Talarico to win
The Hill reports that Rep. Pete Sessions warned Paxton cannot secure the Senate seat without debating.
The short version
- Rep. Pete Sessions asserted that Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton must debate Democratic nominee James Talarico to win the Senate race.[The Hill]
- Sessions stated that roughly 30 percent of voters expect a debate and Paxton cannot win without participating.[The Hill]
- Talarico has repeatedly criticized Paxton for rejecting debate opportunities.[The Hill]
- Despite an endorsement from President Trump, Paxton trailed Talarico by 6 points in an August poll.[The Hill]
Key facts
- Rep. Pete Sessions stated that Ken Paxton must debate James Talarico to win the Texas Senate election.[The Hill]
- Sessions asserted that approximately 30 percent of the electorate expects a debate.[The Hill]
- Democratic nominee James Talarico has repeatedly criticized Paxton for not agreeing to debate.[The Hill]
- An August poll from Texas Public Opinion Research found Paxton trailing Talarico by 6 points despite holding an endorsement from Donald Trump.[The Hill]
What remains uncertain
- Whether Paxton will alter his strategy and agree to debate Talarico before the election remains unannounced.[The Hill]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.