DALLAS, Texas — With Election Day approaching, Democratic candidates James Talarico and Gina Hinojosa brought their campaign message to Dallas, drawing a crowd at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. As the final days of the campaign unfold, voters shared what matters to them, why they have chosen their candidates and what they want to see change in Texas.
Voters voice frustration with campaign ads
For some attendees, the constant political advertising has become exhausting. Jennifer Waters said she was tired of the repeated campaign commercials, explaining, “I mute the TV commercials or I change the channels. I cannot handle the commercials anymore.”
Waters also criticized the focus on transgender issues, arguing that it distracts from concerns affecting Texans, including maternal health, gas prices, electricity bills and inflation. “We have vilified one small group of people that just want to live,” she said. “And it’s absolutely horrifying.”
Hinojosa takes aim at culture-war politics
Speaking to the crowd, Hinojosa said years of culture-war battles have divided the country, the state and even families. She argued that the political divisions have benefited a small group of powerful technology billionaires.
“The only winner in those culture war fights have been like 15 billionaire tech dudes,” Hinojosa said.
Voters explain why they support Talarico
Some attendees said they had already voted and explained why they chose Talarico. One voter contrasted the two Senate candidates, describing one as “a cartoon evil character” and the other as someone “trying to do some good stuff.”
The voter also criticized Republican U.S. Senate candidate Ken Paxton and said, “I think James Talarico is amazing.”
Talarico urges supporters to keep fighting
As the Senate and governor’s races enter their final stretch, Talarico urged supporters to stay engaged and make their voices heard.
“This is the last play of the last drive, Dallas,” he told the crowd. “This is the moment we leave it all on the field.”
Describing the campaign as an underdog effort, Talarico added,
“It’s David versus Goliath. It’s the powers that be versus the powers that ought to be.”
With Election Day approaching, both Talarico and Hinojosa are hoping to turn their campaign momentum into votes.
WATCH: Rich Matthews reports from Dallas for Context Corner.