Voter Turnout Could Decide Texas Senate Contest Between Talarico and Paxton
Thousands of voter registration applications remain unprocessed in Bexar County ahead of the Oct. 5 registration deadline, raising questions as Texas voters prepare for the November midterm elections.
Recent reports indicate thousands of applications submitted through the Department of Public Safety’s online registration process remain unprocessed. Bexar County has reportedly received 45,000 records of unprocessed voter registrations, as officials contend that voters will not be denied the opportunity to cast their ballots or use a provisional ballot.
Texas Senate Race Draws Attention Beyond the State
More interest comes from out-of-state sources, with questions as to whether Texas will be flipped in the November midterms. I spoke with Cleopatra this past weekend, a host on Chicago’s WVON radio, who inquired about the race for the Texas U.S. Senate seat.
I explained that GOP candidate Ken Paxton is well known as a “staunch conservative,” among other foibles, as members of his party in Washington, D.C., have described him as “an unethical candidate.” The host quickly referred to Paxton, remarking that Paxton has had two impeachments. The record also reflects that Paxton “has 15 homes and his net worth increased by 7,000%,” according to a Talarico campaign ad.
Talarico Campaign Reaches Out to Black Voters
As the interview continued, we were joined by Oswald Walker of the Houston Defender. Our discussion turned to candidate James Talarico, Paxton’s opponent. I was able to point out that Talarico’s campaign had designated “$25 million in campaign funds” for reaching voters in the Black community.
I further shared that the Talarico For Texas drive will consist of its “Boots On The Ground” virtual calls to speak directly to voters and mobilize support for the campaign. The meetings will begin Sept. 30 and continue until Oct. 28. The plan for the initiative is to ensure that voters know who Talarico is and what he stands for.
Questions Turn to Jasmine Crockett
The conversation also turned to Rep. Jasmine Crockett, who was reported to be focusing on down-ballot races. I offered my opinion that she may be experiencing “personal pain” as a result of her unsuccessful challenge for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate seat.
It has been reported that the representative phoned Mr. Talarico after the results were announced, offering congratulations.
A Conversation With Nathan Johnson
I had the opportunity last week to respond to a request to meet with former state Sen. Nathan Johnson, the Democratic nominee for attorney general. We both arrived at Vela’s Coffee Cafe at about the same time and exchanged a handshake. The candidate had another interview he needed to do, and I waited for that to conclude.
Upon exchanging pleasantries, I asked Mr. Johnson his reason for seeking the office of attorney general. He responded that it “was to stop corruption” and to address issues that he cared about. Texas has the highest number of uninsured, a 14% poverty rate, great universities, but poor quality of education beforehand.
When probed further, Mr. Johnson pointed to former Attorney General Ken Paxton’s “sixteen charges and his abuse of power” while he was attorney general, along with the two impeachments. Mr. Johnson further explained that “corruption makes people apathetic.” The candidate said “the first step is don’t be corrupt,” and his hope is to change the ethos in the office.
Data Centers and Public Interests
Moving the discussion to another issue facing Texas, I inquired as to whether the attorney general’s office was able to address the “twenty-year tax break” Gov. Abbott has promised data centers being constructed in the state. He responded that it was “a legislative issue” and was not something the attorney general’s office was responsible for. He further expressed his opposition to “using public power for private interests.”
We also discussed AI’s growth in society, which he indicated that he recognizes private interests have a lot to gain from its use. Mr. Johnson also expressed that one of the regulations for AI he would push is to limit the use of people’s images without their consent and to keep children from being harmed by the technology.
“MAGA Mayes”
In closing, we discussed his opponent’s campaign. Mayes Middleton, who has dubbed himself “MAGA Mayes,” reportedly states that he will do everything within his power “to advance the agenda of President Trump.” That did not sit well with Mr. Johnson, and he has plans to drop campaign ads in the coming weeks.
As we come closer to the deadline to register and the beginning of Early Voting, I encourage voters to be committed to VOTING — early, if possible, or on Election Day.
It’s Your Vote — Don’t Waste It!
