Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico visited the University of Houston on Wednesday, Oct. 21, as early voting continued across Texas. The James Talarico University of Houston visit placed the closely watched Senate race before students and other Houston-area voters.
The campaign scheduled the meet-and-greet from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. It formed part of Talarico’s statewide “Clear Eyes, Full Hearts” tour.
James Talarico University of Houston Visit Targets Voters
The campaign promoted the UH appearance as an opportunity for attendees to hear directly from Talarico. Supporters could also learn about volunteering and meet the candidate after the program.
According to the official event listing, doors opened at 10:30 a.m. The campaign described the gathering as a short program focused on Talarico’s message against corruption and the influence of wealthy political donors.
Talarico has made affordability central to his campaign. He has emphasized health care costs and the financial pressure facing working families.
The University of Houston appearance also gave the campaign access to younger voters. College students could play an important role in turnout across Harris County and other urban areas.
A Competitive Texas Senate Race
Talarico, a former public school teacher, represents District 50 in the Texas House. He is running against Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Libertarian candidate Ted Brown.
The campaign stop came amid signs of a highly competitive contest. A University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs survey released Monday showed Talarico with 48% support. Paxton received 46%, while Brown received 3%. Another 3% remained undecided.
Researchers surveyed 2,000 likely Texas voters from Oct. 10 through Oct. 14. The survey reported a margin of error of plus or minus 2.19 percentage points. Therefore, the candidates remain closely matched.
Paxton has highlighted his record as attorney general and his conservative policy positions. During his own Houston-area campaign swing, he argued that his agenda would help Texans afford homes, support families and improve their economic prospects.
Both campaigns are now focusing heavily on turnout. Texas has not elected a Democrat to the U.S. Senate since 1988. No Democrat has won a statewide office in Texas since 1994.
Houston Area Remains a Campaign Priority
Talarico’s UH event was one of two Houston-area appearances scheduled Wednesday. His campaign also planned an evening rally at Safari Texas Ranch in Richmond.
The visits reflect the importance of Harris and Fort Bend counties in the statewide race. Both counties contain large and diverse voting populations, including significant Latino communities.
Talarico previously visited the University of Houston during the Democratic primary campaign. At that March event, he discussed immigration enforcement, government accountability and political unity with students.
Early voting began Monday, Oct. 19, and continues through Friday, Oct. 30. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Any registered voter may cast an early ballot at an authorized location within the voter’s county, according to the Texas Secretary of State.
Houston-area voters can review candidate information, confirm polling locations and make a voting plan before the early voting period ends.