Texas Senate race hits $2 billion spending mark before Nov. 3

The race for the U.S. Senate in Texas has reached a financial milestone.

Campaigns for Democrat James Talarico and Republican Ken Paxton have collectively spent $2 billion. This total makes the contest the most expensive nonpresidential race in American history.

Talarico addressed a crowd at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas on Oct. 30. He told supporters that his opponents are applying pressure as the election nears. "In the final days of this election they are coming at us with everything they’ve got," Talarico said. "They are scared. They are terrified. They see what we see. That we’re about to win this elections on November third."

The rally was held alongside the campaign for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gina Hinojosa. Hinojosa, who is challenging incumbent Gov. Greg Abbott, focused her remarks on public education and health care. She argued that Texans must actively shape the state's future. "Texas is a world economic powerhouse and it is the people of Texas who built that power," Hinojosa told the audience. "But the thing about power is that nobody is going to give it to us. We have to take it back. And that is what this is election is about, taking back that power."

Democrats in Texas view this election as a rare chance to hold statewide office. The last Democrat to win a statewide U.S. Senate seat in Texas did so in 1988. Talarico has emphasized his background as a former middle school teacher and Presbyterian seminarian. His campaign agenda includes affordability, immigration, and border security.

President Donald Trump made three trips to Texas in October to support Paxton. Supporters at the Dallas event cited economic concerns and the direction of the country as reasons for their involvement. One attendee, Ralph Lopez, said current officials do not ask constituents for input. Another resident, Molina, stated that preserving democracy was their primary concern. "My top concern is that we continue to be a democracy," Molina said. "But in terms of other issues, gas is still expensive, inflation is still around."

Talarico compared the race to the biblical story of David and Goliath during his closing remarks. He urged Dallas voters to remain engaged in the final days of the campaign. The race will conclude with voting on Nov. 3.