Talarico hits back at Elon Musk's 'dark money' push with new Texas Senate ad and rally

Summary

James Talarico, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Texas, is pushing back against Elon Musk's attacks and spending in the race. CNBC reports that Talarico released a new campaign ad that rips Musk's 'dark money' push. The Guardian reports that Talarico held a rally on Friday at the University of Texas at Austin, where hundreds of students and other supporters cheered. There he said Musk is trying to buy political influence and declared 'Texas is not for sale.' He also denounced opponent Ken Paxton, calling out corruption allegations and the support Paxton has received from Musk. The moves follow an earlier feud in which Talarico fired back at Musk over his $158 million donation in September to a Republican Super PAC.

Timeline

1. CNBC

   23 Oct 2026, 14:34 UTCSource ↗

   CNBC reports that Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico hit back at Elon Musk's attacks and spending in a new ad, which rips Musk's 'dark money' push in the Texas Senate race.

2. The Guardian

   24 Oct 2026, 02:52 UTCSource ↗

   The Guardian reports that Talarico held a campaign rally on Friday at the University of Texas at Austin, where he said Musk is trying to buy political influence and declared 'Texas is not for sale.'