government
Paxton and Talarico open battle for South Texas with dueling rallies, diverging pitches
By Texas Tribune, Alejandro Serrano at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 16, 2026
· 9 min read
McALLEN — As the general election ramps up, the top of each party’s ticket this week headed to the epicenter of President Donald Trump’s 2024 gains with Latino voters: South Texas. And their opening salvos to voters were markedly different.Attorney General Ken Paxton, the Republican nominee for U...
Key takeaway Meanwhile, Democratic nominee James Talarico ended the third day of a “Frontera Tour” 140 miles northwest in Laredo, where he traces his family’s roots, ahead of his own stop in the Rio Grande Valley on Wednesday.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
In San Antonio , the dueling rallies by Paxton and Talarico will likely resonate with local voters who are closely watching the Senate race. As the candidates court South Texas voters, they must also consider the unique concerns of Bexar County residents, who are grappling with affordability issues and inflation. The fact that Talarico is focusing on affordability issues, such as hiring personnel for border security, may strike a chord with San Antonio voters who are struggling to make ends meet. Meanwhile, Paxton's emphasis on lowering taxes may appeal to local business owners and residents who are feeling the pinch of inflation. As the campaign heats up, San Antonio voters will be paying close attention to how each candidate's vision for the state aligns with their own priorities and concerns. The outcome of this Senate race will have significant implications for the city's economic and social landscape.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: government ·
Published: July 16, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 9 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? McALLEN — As the general election ramps up, the top of each party’s ticket this week headed to the epicenter of President Donald Trump’s 2024 gains with Latino voters: South Texas. And their opening salvos to voters were markedly different.Attorney General Ken Paxton, the Republican nominee for U...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 16, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Texas Tribune, Alejandro Serrano at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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