Libertarian Ted Brown enters Texas Senate race, targeting Paxton and Talarico
Ted Brown of the Libertarian Party is campaigning for a U.S. Senate seat in Texas and criticizes both Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico. He says Republicans have abandoned limited government while Democrats are moving toward policies that hinder the free market, and he points to Paxton’s corruption scandals and Talarico’s perceived hostility to billionaires. Brown’s platform includes an Ellis Island-type immigration model, a plan to slash federal spending to address the $40 trillion debt, and a withdrawal of American forces from the Middle East, along with positions on abortion, government surveillance and healthcare regulation. Reports from Texas towns note voter fatigue with Trump and Paxton, with some lifelong Republicans considering Democratic options, raising the prospect of a Democratic Senate win for the first time in decades.
Why it matters
The race could reshape Texas’s representation in Washington and influence policy debates on government size, immigration and foreign military involvement.
How this story developed
- Sep 30 Ken Paxton says Trump-led convention hurt his Senate bid
- Oct 8 Talarico’s campaign says he is recovering from a flu infection and plans to resume in-person campaigning this weekend after a virtual appearance. Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton’s team has demanded proof of Talarico’s whereabouts, while Democrats express concern over the candidate’s absence during a crucial campaign phase. Despite the setback, Talarico’s supporters note his extensive ad spend and argue the pause may be preferable to campaigning while ill.
- Oct 11 Paxton’s campaign began circulating missing‑person flyers depicting Talarico.
- Oct 12 Elon Musk has contributed an unprecedented $366 million to groups supporting GOP candidates ahead of the November 3 elections for the House and Senate.
- Oct 12 An audio recording alleging Talarico’s discharge from a mental‑health facility was released, prompting the Lindner Center’s denial.
- Oct 12 Specific contribution amounts to individual super PACs were disclosed.
- Oct 13 A new ReconMR poll shows Greg Abbott narrowly leading Democratic challenger Gina Hinojosa, reversing a previous deficit as the race tightens.
- Oct 13 Texas polls show Democrat James Talarico ahead of Ken Paxton.
- Oct 15 JD Vance publicly backs Ken Paxton and attacks James Talarico's sex‑education stance.
- Oct 16 Total spending on Republican‑aligned committees and organizations is reported at $366 million.
- Oct 21 Trump scheduled a Texas rally on Oct 27 and began a bus tour to boost Paxton’s campaign.
- Oct 21 Talarico released new TV ads focusing on border security and data‑center tax breaks.
- Oct 23 Musk injected $77 million into America PAC in early October, raising his total contributions for the cycle.
- Oct 24 Brown’s candidacy adds a third‑party perspective to the Texas Senate contest.
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