Talarico and Hinojosa urge North Texans to vote in final push

Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico and gubernatorial nominee Gina Hinojosa addressed a crowded audience at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas on Thursday. The joint rally marked what may be the final major event for either candidate in the state's largest metro area before Election Day.

Talarico told supporters that the campaign has five days left to secure a victory. He compared the final stretch of the race to a football game, quoting the television series Friday Night Lights. He asked the crowd to leave everything on the field for the final drive.

"Dallas, we have five days to win this election," Talarico said. "We have to execute. We have to leave it all on the field. We have to win. Our fellow Texans are counting on us."

The candidates are expected to campaign in other major cities over the weekend. They will then return to their home bases in Central Texas to watch the results arrive. Talarico currently holds a narrow lead over Republican Senate nominee Ken Paxton in most polls. Hinojosa has narrowed the gap with incumbent Governor Greg Abbott in recent weeks as national Democratic groups increase financial support for her campaign.

Turnout in urban areas is a key factor for the Democratic ticket. Dallas County set a record for Day 1 early voting last week. Travis, Bexar, and Harris counties have also broken midterm records. Cal Jillson, a political science professor at Southern Methodist University, noted that these turnout patterns look promising for Democrats who rely on urban voters.

Talarico described his campaign as a grassroots effort supported by everyday Texans. He contrasted this with the Republican ticket, which he said relies on billionaire donors. Talarico specifically targeted Elon Musk, noting that the tech billionaire has put at least $158 million into the Senate race, mostly through Super PACs.

"Elon Musk wants our land," Talarico said. "He wants our water. He wants our tax dollars. He wants his very own personal United States senator. He is trying to buy Texas, but on November 3, we are going to deliver a crystal-clear message to the world's first trillionaire: Texas is not for sale."

Talarico also cited a recent video in which Paxton admitted to having significant control over campaign messaging. He noted that Paxton's net worth increased by $27 million during his time in office and that he now owns 15 homes.

Hinojosa addressed the crowd after Talarico. She rejected claims by Republican ads that she would implement a state income tax. She focused on healthcare and education, criticizing Abbott for shifting $1 billion from public schools to private institutions through a voucher system.

Hinojosa said the election will determine the future direction of Texas. "Is Texas going to be a state that is by and for the people?" she asked. The first early voting reports are scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Talarico and Hinojosa would be the first Democrats to hold the Senate and governorship since 1988 and 1994, respectively. Rev. Freddie Haynes, who lost the Senate primary to Talarico in March, introduced the candidates at the event.