U.S. Chamber Endorses Ken Paxton

What happened

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce endorsed Republican Ken Paxton in Texas’ U.S. Senate race, saying he backs free enterprise, low taxes, the energy sector and legal changes to shield businesses from lawsuits and red tape. Democrat James Talarico began a 21-stop statewide tour as early voting neared, while both candidates held rallies to turn out supporters. The race is highly competitive, with a CBS News/YouGov poll putting Talarico ahead 51% to 49%, within the margin of error. That poll found cost of living was voters’ top issue, and Talarico led among those voters. Early voting begins Monday and runs through Oct. 30.

How each side covered it

From the left

Left-leaning outlets framed the final push as a rare Democratic opening to end decades of Republican control in Texas. The New York Times stressed early votes as central to whether a Democratic revival could break statewide Republican rule. New Republic focused on Republican frustration, arguing attacks had not stopped Talarico’s rise.

From the right

Right-leaning outlets treated the race as winnable for Paxton but no longer safe, with turnout carrying unusual weight. Newsmax emphasized that Texas’ Republican lean does not remove the risk of a close result. The Gateway Pundit cast the endorsement as a boost for Paxton and attacked Talarico as a “nutty soft socialist”.

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U.S. Chamber Endorses Ken Paxton

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What happened

How each side covered it

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