Talarico supporters rally in Dallas as Texas Senate race nears Election Day

Democrats see a rare opportunity to flip a statewide seat as Talarico faces Republican Ken Paxton in a closely watched contest.

The race between Democrat James Talarico and Republican Ken Paxton for the U.S. Senate is drawing national attention — and has become the most expensive nonpresidential race in U.S. history.

With Election Day approaching, Talarico supporters gathered in Dallas for a rally at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, where Democrats voiced optimism about what they see as a rare opportunity to flip a statewide seat in Texas.

The rally was held jointly with supporters of Gina Hinojosa, the Democratic candidate for governor challenging incumbent Republican Gov. Greg Abbott.

Hinojosa focused on public education, health care and other quality-of-life issues, telling the crowd that Texans must take an active role in shaping the state's future.

"Texas is a world economic powerhouse and it is the people of Texas who built that power. 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," Hinojosa said.

Texas Democrats are energized by what has been described as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to win a statewide race. The last time a Democrat won a statewide U.S. Senate election in Texas was in 1988.

Talarico has highlighted his roots as a multigenerational Texan, his experience as a former middle school teacher and his background as a Presbyterian seminarian. His campaign has focused on affordability, education, immigration, border security and what he has called political corruption.

During the rally, Talarico told supporters his opponents were putting pressure on his campaign as Election Day approached.

"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."

Supporters at the Dallas rally said concerns about the direction of the country and the economy motivated them to back Talarico.

Ralph Lopez, a Texas resident, said he believes elected officials should prioritize the needs of their constituents.

"What I see with this current administration, a lot of them, especially on the right is it’s for them, it’s not for the people. I don’t see them going out to neighborhoods and too the people and asking their constituents what do you want what do you want to see," Lopez said.

Another Texas resident, Molina, said preserving democracy was the top issue driving their support, while economic concerns also remained important.

"My top concern is that we continue to be a democracy. That is my top concern. But in terms of other issues, gas is still expensive, inflation is still around," Molina said.

President Donald Trump also made three trips to Texas this month in a last-minute effort to support Paxton, Talarico's Republican opponent.

As the Dallas rally ended, supporters remained optimistic about the closely contested Senate race. Talarico invoked the biblical story of David and Goliath, emphasizing the importance of Dallas voters in the final stretch of the campaign.

This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC DFW. AI tools helped convert the story into a digital article, and an NBC DFW journalist edited it again before publication.