Texas Democrats’ James Talarico publicly urged Ken Paxton to debate him, even proposing a Fox News debate, but Paxton and Fox News have not engaged. The exchange highlights a high-stakes Senate race seen as potentially flipping control, with Talarico leading Paxton in polls and the GOP spending heavily to bolster Paxton. Despite Talarico’s viral challenge and a voicemail invitation, there has been no update or response from Fox News or Paxton. The situation underscores concerns about campaign transparency and media engagement ahead of November, with momentum uncertain as parties weigh their strategy.
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On Sep 29, 2026, HuffPost reported that Texas Democratic state Rep. James Talarico challenged Republican AG Ken Paxton to publicly debate him in the Senate race, even proposing a Fox News appearance moderated by Bret Baier as a platform for questions.
Talarico had previously claimed Paxton had dodged debates all year and posted a voicemail to Paxton inviting a Fox News debate, stating that he would attend if Fox News hosted it and suggesting Texans could hear both candidates directly.
Since the voicemail, neither Paxton’s campaign nor Fox News has provided any update or responded to requests for comment, leaving the proposal without a clear path forward.
Observers note Fox News’s lack of response is notable given the race’s national attention and the potential to influence control of the Senate, with Paxton’s weaker standing contrasted by longstanding Republican advantages in Texas.
Trump’s earlier intervention in the Republican primary—endorsing Paxton over John Cornyn—along with Paxton’s controversial record, are cited as background factors shaping the campaign dynamics and the GOP’s heavy ad spend (at least $100 million) to defend Paxton.
At campaign events, Paxton has made remarks supporters view as favorable to economic development (e.g., data centers in Texas), while poll data and voter attitudes complicate the race, especially regarding undecided voters focusing on each candidate’s record.