Paxton Scraps Alamo Finale as Texas Senate Race Cancellations Mount

Key points

• Paxton’s campaign removed the Alamo event from its schedule, replacing it with stops in Conroe and Allen on November 1.
• The Alamo Trust confirmed it was unaware of any plans for a political event on the grounds, citing rules that prohibit political advocacy.
• Paxton canceled rallies in El Paso, Tyler, and Texarkana, with the Tyler stop scrapped after JD Vance announced competing appearances.
• The race is neck-and-neck, with Paxton relying on over $200 million in donations from Elon Musk to offset low turnout.
• Democrat James Talarico criticized Paxton for hiding behind money rather than showing up to voters.

Background

Paxton’s campaign has faced logistical challenges and low turnout in recent weeks, including a rally in San Angelo where only one person applauded. Earlier in October, President Trump held a high-profile rally in San Antonio to support Paxton, but polls showed him trailing Talarico. The Texas Senate race is considered a must-win for Republicans, with significant spending from both parties.

How outlets are covering it

The Texas Tribune and Texas Public Radio focused on the logistical and legal issues surrounding the Alamo cancellation, noting the Alamo Trust’s rules against political events. The Washington Post highlighted how Paxton’s 2023 impeachment was framed by supporters as a partisan witch hunt that strengthened the conservative movement. The Daily Beast emphasized the poor crowd sizes at recent Paxton events, describing the cancellations as a sign of a failing campaign. Talarico’s campaign used the cancellations to attack Paxton’s reliance on Musk’s money, while Paxton’s supporters defended him as a fighter against the 'radical left.'

Why it matters

The cancellation of the Alamo rally and other events signals potential weakness in Paxton’s campaign as the election nears. The tight race in Texas could impact the balance of power in the U.S. Senate, with Republicans viewing the state as a critical battleground. The reliance on Musk’s funding and the contrast with Talarico’s grassroots efforts highlight the differing strategies in the race.

What to watch

Paxton is scheduled to hold events in Conroe and Allen on November 1, followed by an Election Night watch party in Dallas on November 3. The outcome of the Texas Senate race will be determined on November 3, with early voting already surpassing previous records in several counties.