Story perspectives

Paxton Accepts Talarico’s Televised Debate Challenge.

7/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

James Talarico challenged Ken Paxton to three televised debates and, on July 16, said he accepted the invitations, urging Paxton to follow suit.
Paxton adviser Nick Maddux said the attorney general will debate Talarico and looks forward to hosts.
Debates would be run by Nexstar Media Group/KXAN News and NBC News/NBCUniversal/Hearst Texas.
A New York Times/Siena poll on June 30 tied Paxton and Talarico at 47 percent, while a University of Texas poll had them at 43 percent and 42 percent.

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Story summary

James Talarico challenged Ken Paxton to three televised debates and, on July 16, said he accepted the invitations, urging Paxton to follow suit.
Paxton adviser Nick Maddux said the attorney general will debate Talarico and looks forward to hosts.
Debates would be run by Nexstar Media Group/KXAN News and NBC News/NBCUniversal/Hearst Texas.
A New York Times/Siena poll on June 30 tied Paxton and Talarico at 47 percent, while a University of Texas poll had them at 43 percent and 42 percent.