Texas candidates race to solve soaring cost-of-living crisis in midterms

A new poll shows Texans prioritizing rising prices over immigration, making affordability the defining issue of this election cycle. Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton proposes family tax breaks, while Democrat James Talarico suggests eliminating the gas tax and expanding child tax benefits. Governor Greg Abbott seeks to abolish school property taxes and streamline homebuilding, and Democrat Gina Hinojosa wants to issue $1,500 checks to every household using the state's rainy-day fund.

Economists note that Texas’ major cost spikes—energy up 65%, housing 44% and food 41%—outpace the 35% inflation rate, and warn that large cash payments could stoke further inflation. Both parties face criticism that many proposals are more political signaling than viable solutions, and voters remain skeptical about any candidate’s ability to deliver concrete relief.