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FULL: Ken Paxton’s 2026 RNC Midterm Convention Speech
Ken Paxton, Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in Texas, speaks at the Republican National Committee’s 2026 midterm convention. During his remarks, Paxton thanked President Donald Trump, discussed his personal background and border security, outlined his "Protecting the Texas Promise" plan, and highlighted his record as Texas attorney general. Paxton also criticized Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico and urged Republicans to support his campaign.
DALLAS - Texas Attorney General and Republican Senate candidate blasted his Democratic opponent during his speech at the opening night of the party’s first midterm convention in Dallas.
What they're saying:
Paxton called Texas state Rep. James Talarico "the most radical Democrat in Texas history," while calling out his positions on everything from Christianity to energy.
"He is a Democratic socialist who never met a tax increase he didn’t love," Paxton said
"California already has two senators," he added. "It doesn’t need a third."
Ken Paxton waves to the crowd at the Republican midterm convention in Dallas on Sept. 9, 2026. (FOX Local)
Paxton touts legal background, tax plan
Paxton bragged about his litigation against former President Joe Biden, saying he took the administration to court more than a hundred times.
He also highlighted a plan he’s calling the "Protecting the Texas Promise." He said it calls for tax deductions for down payments for homes, medical expenses and health care costs.
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Republicans aim to energize voters with midterm convention
U.S. Senate candidate Ken Paxton took to the podium on the first night of the Republican Midterm Convention in Dallas, while his opponent James Talarico has spoken on the event. FOX 4's Steven Dial has more.
Neck-and-neck Senate race in Texas
Dig deeper:
Polls have shown an extremely tight race for Senate between Paxton and Talarico.
Paxton seemed to acknowledge his concern about that polling, conceding the Democratic campaign is well-funded.
"That’s why, today, I need your prayers, your votes and your support," Paxton said. "If we lose Texas, we lose the common sense revolution."
Who leads 2026 Texas Senate race? Paxton vs. Talarico poll tracker
Polls have shown the hotly contested U.S. Senate race in Texas is in a dead heat.
Early voting and Election Day
What's next:
Early voting in Texas begins Oct. 19. Election Day is Nov. 3.
The Source: Information in this story came from a live stream of the Republican midterm convention in Dallas and previous FOX Local reporting.