Fox News on Tuesday agreed to host a debate between U.S. Senate nominees James Talarico and Ken Paxton – if Paxton agrees to it.
“Debates best serve voters and the democratic process when both candidates participate and voters have the opportunity to compare positions on the issues,” a Fox spokesperson said in a statement first reported by the Huffington Post. “We will move forward with the debate if both candidates commit to appearing.”
Talarico publicly challenged Paxton to the debate last week, saying he would be willing to face off with the Republican attorney general in his “safe space.”
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“I’ll go into the lion’s den, because I know what I believe. I am proud of my record, and I’m not afraid of hard questions,” Talarico told the crowd at the Texas Tribune Festival. His campaign later posted a video of the Democratic nominee appearing to leave a voice message on Paxton’s personal cell phone inviting him to the debate.
Paxton’s campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Tuesday. It has previously said Paxton was willing to debate Talarico, but not on Talarico’s terms.
Paxton has not accepted several debate invitations so far. That includes a one from Hearst Newspapers and Spanish-language broadcast outlet NBC/Telemundo, another from Nexstar and its Austin affiliate, KXAN, and one from Dallas’ WFAA and its parent, TEGNA.
Texas’ competitive Senate race could determine the balance of the chamber in Congress, and polls show the contest is neck-and-neck. The race has drawn national attention and financial investment from groups on both sides.
Even some Republicans have voiced support for a debate. On Friday, also at the Texas Tribune Festival, state Rep. Jeff Leach said Paxton should face off against Talarico. Leach was an impeachment manager leading the inquiry against Paxton in 2023, but has since joined Paxton in his campaign for Senate.
“I personally believe, for what it’s worth, that General Paxton needs to get on a debate stage with James Talarico,” Leach said. “We conservatives do not run from a fight. We shouldn’t at least, and so I’m hopeful that that will happen.”
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This article originally published at Fox News will host Texas Senate debate if Ken Paxton agrees to face off.