Rep. Pete Sessions (R-Texas) on Wednesday argued that Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton cannot win the state's Senate race without facing his Democratic opponent, James Talarico, on the debate stage. In an interview with Nexstar, which also owns The Hill, Sessions was asked whether he backs Paxton's Senate bid.
"Of course I do," Sessions said. "He's running for a competitive position, he's going to have to be judged on how well he defends himself, his ideas and then be seen on stage vis-à-vis his opponent. That is how you win."
Pressed on whether Paxton could prevail without debating, Sessions was blunt: "Well, I don't think he can win without the debate. About 30 percent of the electorate is looking for this to be done." He added that voters expect Paxton to "define himself, to stand up for what he believes in, to take the shots at him, and to be able to effectively show the difference between the two candidates. I don't think there's any question about that."
Talarico has repeatedly hammered Paxton for skipping debates. In August, he posted on X: "I agreed to 3 debates over a month ago. You declined every single one. You love to talk tough on Fox. Say it to me on the debate stage."
Despite securing former President Trump's endorsement, Paxton trails Talarico by 6 points in a recent poll from Texas Public Opinion Research. That deficit underscores the challenge Paxton faces in a state that hasn't elected a Democrat statewide in over three decades.
Paxton's campaign has been clouded by scandal, including his 2023 impeachment by the Texas House on corruption charges, though he was later acquitted by the state Senate. The controversy has given Talarico ammunition as he seeks to become the first Democrat to win a statewide office in Texas since 1994.
The GOP's internal concerns about Paxton's viability are growing, with some lawmakers reportedly planning to skip the Dallas convention as Trump's poll numbers slide. Sessions' comments add to the pressure on Paxton to engage directly with Talarico.
Political analysts note that debates can be pivotal in tight races, especially for candidates like Paxton who face credibility questions. "Voters want to see how candidates handle pressure and articulate their vision," said one strategist. "Skipping debates can be seen as evasive, and that hurts with undecided voters."
Paxton's team has not yet confirmed any debate participation, but the race is tightening and the pressure is mounting. Talarico, meanwhile, continues to challenge Paxton to face him on stage, arguing that transparency is essential for the state's future.
With the election approaching, Sessions' remarks signal that even within his own party, Paxton must do more to win over the electorate. Whether he heeds that advice remains to be seen.
