Texas state Rep. James Talarico is challenging state Attorney General Ken Paxton to three televised debates as the general election for the U.S. Senate race nears.
The Democratic nominee took a shot at his Republican opponent in a Thursday interview on MS Now’s Morning Joe.
“He doesn’t answer to the public because he’s not a public servant. He is a puppet politician, and I want him to prove me wrong,” Talarico said of Paxton. “We have to be focused on forgiveness and redemption and second chances. So that’s why I am challenging Ken Paxton to three televised debates.”
The Texas Democrat framed Paxton as someone controlled by “billionaire handlers” who don’t want to see him on the debate stage ahead of the midterm elections.
“I’ll be on that debate stage because I answer to the people of Texas,” he added. “Ken Paxton answers to his billionaire mega-donors. We’ll see if they let him show up.”
Paxton’s campaign quickly accepted Talarico’s challenge, saying post-primary debates were always a part of the plan.
“Of course we are going to debate James Talarico, and we look forward to engaging with potential debate hosts,” Paxton adviser Nick Maddux told Houston-based news outlet KHOU 11 in a statement.
