States Texas U.S. Senate
U.S. Senate
U.S. Senate, Texas
November 3, 2026 · 14 statements · 2026.09.30-e203a9e7
Candidates
Warren Kenneth "Ken" Paxton Jr.
Republican
Sourced positions on 6 of 14
James Talarico
Democratic
Sourced positions on 11 of 14
Campaign sitejamestalarico.com
Also on the ballot
Theodore E. "Ted" Brown Jr. Libertarian Not researched: below our published threshold
We research every Democratic or Republican nominee, every incumbent, and anyone who raised at least $50,000 (per the FEC) or reached 5 percent in a public poll. Methodology
Statements and positions
Agree Disagree No clear position Select a position to see the evidence behind it.
Warren Kenneth "Ken" Paxton Jr. Republican James Talarico Democratic
Federal statements
Economy No. 01/14
The federal minimum wage should be raised above $7.25 an hour.
Background The federal minimum wage has been $7.25 an hour since 2009. States and cities can set higher minimums, and many do.
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Warren Kenneth "Ken" Paxton Jr.'s verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Raise the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour, and incentivize CEOs to pay fair wages by creating a special tax on corporations that pay their top executives more than 250 times their median worker's salary.
Campaign or official site · Sep 24, 2026 · retrieved Sep 24, 2026
jamestalarico.com No archived copy yet
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence High (0.85)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
James Talarico's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Taxes No. 02/14
Federal income taxes should be raised on households earning more than $400,000 a year.
Background This would increase the federal income tax owed by the highest-earning households. Households below that income would not be affected by this change.
fight to cut taxes and stop the wasteful spending that has led to our nation being in over $36 trillion dollars in debt
Campaign or official site · Jan 1, 2026 · retrieved Sep 24, 2026
kenpaxton.com
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Low (0.55)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Warren Kenneth "Ken" Paxton Jr.'s verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Make billionaires pay their fair share in taxes — including by imposing a higher tax on their income and capital gains and ending the dubious 'buy, borrow, die' loopholes that billionaires use to grow untaxed wealth.
Campaign or official site · Sep 24, 2026 · retrieved Sep 24, 2026
jamestalarico.com No archived copy yet
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence High (0.80)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
James Talarico's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Health care No. 03/14
Federal premium subsidies for Affordable Care Act marketplace plans should be expanded.
Background These subsidies lower the monthly cost of health plans bought on HealthCare.gov and state marketplaces. Expanding them would lower premiums for more buyers and increase federal spending.
Obamacare is a failed social experiment. The sooner it is invalidated, the better, so each state can decide what type of health care system it wants and how best to provide for those with pre-existing conditions, which is federalism that the Founders intended.
Press quote · Oct 5, 2020 · retrieved Sep 28, 2026
newsweek.com No archived copy yet
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Low (0.55)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Warren Kenneth "Ken" Paxton Jr.'s verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Protect and improve the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and reverse the Trump Administration's dangerous cuts to the ACA enhanced tax credits, Medicare, and Medicaid
Campaign or official site · Sep 24, 2026 · retrieved Sep 24, 2026
jamestalarico.com No archived copy yet
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence High (0.80)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
James Talarico's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Immigration No. 04/14
Congress should fund more physical barriers along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Background This would pay for additional fencing or wall along the southern border. It concerns construction funding, not other kinds of border enforcement.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence High (0.80)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Warren Kenneth "Ken" Paxton Jr.'s verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Review Reviewed Sep 30, 2026 by edo.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
James Talarico's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Guns No. 05/14
Federal law should require background checks for all gun sales, including private sales.
Background Federal law requires background checks for sales by licensed dealers but not for most sales between private individuals. This would extend the requirement to private sales.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Medium (0.60)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Warren Kenneth "Ken" Paxton Jr.'s verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
universal background checks for gun sales, prioritize the prosecution of firearms traffickers
Campaign or official site · Sep 24, 2026 · retrieved Sep 24, 2026
jamestalarico.com No archived copy yet
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence High (0.80)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
James Talarico's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Abortion No. 06/14
Abortion laws should be set by each state rather than by Congress.
Background Since the Supreme Court's 2022 Dobbs decision, each state sets its own abortion laws. Agreeing means Congress should not pass a national law that either expands or restricts access.
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Review Reviewed Sep 30, 2026 by edo.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Warren Kenneth "Ken" Paxton Jr.'s verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Restore reproductive freedom with federal legislation to codify Roe v. Wade and protect access to contraception and IVF
Campaign or official site · Sep 24, 2026 · retrieved Sep 24, 2026
jamestalarico.com No archived copy yet
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence High (0.80)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
James Talarico's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Energy and climate No. 07/14
The federal government should expand oil and gas drilling on federal lands and waters.
Background This concerns leases on land and offshore areas the federal government owns. It does not cover drilling on private or state land.
Joe Biden may have declared war on American energy independence, but we're fighting back and we're winning in court. The executive order was a clear example of unconstitutional federal overreach
Press quote · Aug 29, 2022 · retrieved Sep 28, 2026
ktsa.com
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Medium (0.60)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Warren Kenneth "Ken" Paxton Jr.'s verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
James Talarico's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Energy and climate No. 08/14
The federal government should limit greenhouse gas emissions from power plants.
Background This would set federal limits on the carbon pollution power plants release. It concerns regulation by agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency.
It's a major threat to anyone who powers up a computer, turns on a light.
Press quote · Oct 23, 2015 · retrieved Sep 28, 2026
texastribune.org
given the minuscule benefit of these rules, we're still pushing forward to fight because we know that costs are going up for those people.
Press quote · Oct 23, 2015 · retrieved Sep 28, 2026
texastribune.org
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Medium (0.60)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Warren Kenneth "Ken" Paxton Jr.'s verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Review Reviewed Sep 30, 2026 by edo.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
James Talarico's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Economy No. 09/14
The U.S. should keep broad tariffs on imported goods.
Background Tariffs are taxes paid on imported goods. Since 2025 the U.S. has applied tariffs to imports from most countries, and this statement is about keeping them in place.
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Warren Kenneth "Ken" Paxton Jr.'s verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Roll back the Trump Administration's tariff policies that are raising costs for American consumers and hurting Texas business owners
Campaign or official site · Sep 24, 2026 · retrieved Sep 24, 2026
jamestalarico.com
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence High (0.80)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
James Talarico's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Democracy and elections No. 10/14
Voters should have to show photo identification to vote in federal elections.
Background Voter ID rules are set by each state today and vary widely. This would set one photo ID requirement for federal elections nationwide.
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Review Reviewed Sep 30, 2026 by edo.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Warren Kenneth "Ken" Paxton Jr.'s verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Medium (0.60)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
James Talarico's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Foreign policy No. 11/14
The U.S. should continue sending military aid to Ukraine.
Background The U.S. has provided weapons and military funding to Ukraine since Russia's 2022 invasion. This would keep that support going.
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Warren Kenneth "Ken" Paxton Jr.'s verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Support measures that enable America, Ukraine, and our European partners to negotiate from a position of strength to ensure Ukraine's long-term security, protect the stability of Europe, and hold Russia accountable for the cost of its aggression.
Campaign or official site · Sep 24, 2026 · retrieved Sep 24, 2026
jamestalarico.com
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Low (0.55)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
James Talarico's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Foreign policy No. 12/14
The U.S. should keep high tariffs on goods imported from China.
Background Tariffs on many Chinese imports were raised in 2018 and again in 2025. Keeping them high continues those import taxes; lowering them would reduce costs for U.S. importers and buyers.
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Warren Kenneth "Ken" Paxton Jr.'s verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Repeal the Trump tariffs that are making everything — from groceries to cars to clothing — more expensive.
Campaign or official site · Sep 24, 2026 · retrieved Sep 24, 2026
jamestalarico.com
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Medium (0.75)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
James Talarico's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Taxes No. 13/14
Earnings above the current Social Security tax cap should also be subject to the Social Security payroll tax.
Background The 6.2 percent Social Security payroll tax applies only to wages up to a yearly cap, $184,500 in 2026. Applying it above the cap would raise more money for Social Security from higher earners.
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Warren Kenneth "Ken" Paxton Jr.'s verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
ensure the wealthiest Americans pay their fair share into Social Security by eliminating the tax cap on those earning over $400,000 a year
Campaign or official site · Sep 24, 2026 · retrieved Sep 24, 2026
jamestalarico.com
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence High (0.85)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
James Talarico's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Housing No. 14/14
The federal government should spend more to build housing that low- and middle-income families can afford.
Background Federal programs such as the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and HOME grants help pay for affordable homes and apartments. This would increase federal funding for building that housing.
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Warren Kenneth "Ken" Paxton Jr.'s verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
ban Wall Street from buying up housing stock to enrich wealthy investors while making it harder for families to afford homes, expand the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, repeal outdated red tape that hinders the construction of housing
Campaign or official site · Sep 24, 2026 · retrieved Sep 24, 2026
jamestalarico.com
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Medium (0.70)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
James Talarico's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked