Scandal-plagued Ken Paxton has won Trump’s backing over John Cornyn – but he might lose against James Talarico, a Democrat with a groundswell of popularity
Yeah I was considering crashing the primary, but I’m not sure what the right move is. I hope Talarico can win, and I think he’d have a better chance against Paxton. Paxton is a nightmare though, and historically Democrats don’t win in Texas.
And besides, the idea that someone could think I’m a Republican fills me with bile.
The positive signs: Beto got within a 3 point margin against Cruz. Latino support for Republicans has tanked (after swinging more R than historically in 2024). There’s a net immigration to urban areas that skews more Liberal. The national sentiment is strongly against Republicans given inflation and the Iran war.
These make me hopeful.
The Negative signs: Texas has averaged 8-10 points R outside of Cruz v Beto. Texas is gerrymandered (as another user points out). Voter suppression and misinformation are significant (Texas turnout is sub-par: about 5 points below the national avg). The Texas Democratic party has repeatedly flubbed things over the past few decades.
These things keep me pessimistic.
I’ll still donate some time and money this election season, but the 2024 results really knocked down my enthusiasm for Texas turning purple.
Depends on how far back you go. People are trying really hard to erase that Texas used to have a democratic governor, and it wasn’t till Republicans got a whiff of power and started gerrymandering the hell out of things. Look at TX-35 for an idea of how fucked up it is.
Actually, adding the picture. It goes from part of San Antonio, up to Austin along a thin stretch of I-35. Basically the district is over 80 miles long and covers two completely distinct cities.
Yeah I was considering crashing the primary, but I’m not sure what the right move is. I hope Talarico can win, and I think he’d have a better chance against Paxton. Paxton is a nightmare though, and historically Democrats don’t win in Texas.
And besides, the idea that someone could think I’m a Republican fills me with bile.
The positive signs: Beto got within a 3 point margin against Cruz. Latino support for Republicans has tanked (after swinging more R than historically in 2024). There’s a net immigration to urban areas that skews more Liberal. The national sentiment is strongly against Republicans given inflation and the Iran war.
These make me hopeful.
The Negative signs: Texas has averaged 8-10 points R outside of Cruz v Beto. Texas is gerrymandered (as another user points out). Voter suppression and misinformation are significant (Texas turnout is sub-par: about 5 points below the national avg). The Texas Democratic party has repeatedly flubbed things over the past few decades.
These things keep me pessimistic.
I’ll still donate some time and money this election season, but the 2024 results really knocked down my enthusiasm for Texas turning purple.
Depends on how far back you go. People are trying really hard to erase that Texas used to have a democratic governor, and it wasn’t till Republicans got a whiff of power and started gerrymandering the hell out of things. Look at TX-35 for an idea of how fucked up it is.
Actually, adding the picture. It goes from part of San Antonio, up to Austin along a thin stretch of I-35. Basically the district is over 80 miles long and covers two completely distinct cities.