2026 midterm elections live updates: Latest news, results, and analysis
SAN MARCOS, Texas — Texas Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico slammed his Republican opponent, Attorney General Ken Paxton, for not debating him amid reports of him partying with two fugitives in Dubai. “Paxton showed up in London for the Fourth of July to party with the British,” Talarico said at a rally Thursday night. “He showed up in Dubai for New Year’s Eve to party with his fugitive friends. He will literally show up anywhere but a debate stage here in Texas.” Just before Talarico called out his opponent, multiple rallygoers told the Washington Examiner voters “deserve” to see a debate between the two, as they remain locked in a tight race. Last week, the Wall Street Journal reported Paxton attended a 2025 New Year’s party in Dubai with two fugitives who did not return to the United States. Photos also surfaced of the Texas Republican in London over the Fourth of July weekend. The rally comes just a day after CNN hosted a town hall with Talarico, where he engaged in a debate with six voters from across the political spectrum after challenging Paxton to multiple debates.
TL;DR
- Texas Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico criticized Republican opponent Ken Paxton for not participating in debates, citing reports of Paxton partying with fugitives in Dubai and London.
- Senator Susan Collins discussed her voting record, including an unsuccessful effort to block Secretary Pete Hegseth's nomination and her vote to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr., citing his helpfulness on certain issues.
- Vice President JD Vance attended rallies in Michigan to support Republican candidates, though some attendees expressed mixed enthusiasm about a potential 2028 presidential bid for Vance.
- Senator Bernie Moreno urged Republicans to prepare an ambitious budget reconciliation package for the lame-duck session, warning of a limited window for legislative priorities if Democrats gain control of Congress.
- Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gina Hinojosa demanded a debate with Texas Governor Greg Abbott, but was instead confronted by a write-in candidate.
- Former President Bill Clinton is joining Florida gubernatorial candidate David Jolly for an interfaith event, as Democrats seek to mobilize voters in the state.
- James Talarico set a record for third-quarter fundraising in a Texas Senate campaign, raising $64 million, while Ken Paxton raised $18 million.