EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — With Election Day just over a week away, Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico brought his campaign to El Paso on Monday, telling supporters that the race should be about a broader vision for Texas.

Talarico stopped at the MacGoffin Auditorium at the University of Texas at El Paso as part of his “Clear Eyes Big Hearts” tour, drawing voters of all ages who greeted him with loud applause.

At the rally, Democratic Congresswoman Veronica Escobar welcomed him by telling the crowd, “Let’s give it up. For the next United States Senator from the great state of Texas, James Talarico.”

In his remarks, Talarico urged voters to look beyond party labels.

“This election shouldn’t be about the Democratic Party or the Republican Party. It’s bigger than that. This election should be about chasing a vision of what this state can be. Texas public schools that are the envy of the nation. A Texas economy that is second to none, and Texas families that are stronger and healthier than they’ve ever been before. This won’t happen overnight, but a giant state deserves giant dreams,” Talarico said.

Brandon Muth reports on Senate hopeful James Talarico rallies in El Paso (Credit: KFOX14)

Talarico also addressed what he called an affordability crisis, describing it as a corruption crisis and pointing to the challenges of paying for necessities such as gas and groceries.

A central focus of his speech was criticism of his opponent, Republican candidate Ken Paxton. Talarico specifically criticized what he described as a $200 million donation from Elon Musk to Paxton’s campaign.

As he works to persuade undecided voters who have not yet cast ballots, Talarico told the crowd he is a “man of the people” and described his supporters as underdogs in the race.

The rally came with eight days left until Election Day on Nov. 3.

WATCH:

James Talarico in El Paso (Credit: KFOX14/CBS4)

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