Paxton Abandons Alamo Finale as Texas Senate Race Tightens

Key points

• Paxton canceled his 'Come and Take It' tour finale at the Alamo, substituting stops in Conroe and Allen, which are hundreds of miles away.
• The Alamo Trust confirmed it was unaware of any planned event, as its rules prohibit political advocacy on the grounds.
• Talarico accused Paxton of hiding behind Musk’s $200 million contribution rather than engaging voters, citing sparse crowds at recent rallies.
• A CNN/SSRS poll shows Talarico leading by 6 percent, while early voting data indicates 44 percent of ballots were cast by registered Democrats.
• Paxton’s tour has faced multiple cancellations in El Paso, Tyler, Texarkana, and Mission, prompting Democrats to label it a 'crashout'.

Background

This development follows earlier reports of Paxton’s campaign struggles, including low attendance and logistical issues. The race is considered one of the most expensive in history, with significant spending from both sides. Previous coverage highlighted the importance of independent voters and Black voter outreach in determining the outcome, as Texas has not elected a Democratic senator in nearly three decades.

How outlets are covering it

The Daily Beast and The Texas Tribune emphasize the logistical failure and low turnout, noting Paxton’s campaign did not respond to inquiries. The Washington Post highlights the Alamo Trust’s prohibition on political events, suggesting the venue was never viable. The New York Times focuses on the lack of coordination between Paxton and Governor Abbott, who did not mention Paxton during a joint event. Talarico’s campaign frames the cancellation as evidence of Paxton’s reliance on Musk’s money rather than voter engagement, while Republicans argue the focus should be on turnout among independents, who are critical to breaking the Democratic early voting lead.

Why it matters

The cancellation underscores the competitive nature of the Texas Senate race, where early voting trends and independent voter behavior may determine the outcome. Paxton’s struggles with attendance and logistics highlight the challenges of mobilizing Republican support in a state where Democrats have a significant early voting advantage. The race could shift control of the U.S. Senate, making it a pivotal contest in the 2026 midterms.

What to watch

Paxton will hold events in Conroe and Allen on Monday, while Talarico continues his 'Clear Eyes, Full Hearts' tour. Analysts will monitor independent voter turnout and final early voting numbers to assess the race’s trajectory. The Alamo Trust has confirmed no political events will take place on its grounds, ensuring the venue remains neutral. Both campaigns will focus on final mobilization efforts ahead of Election Day.