Anti-James Talarico political signage is displayed among Halloween decor in the driveway of a house along Deloache Avenue, Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026, in Preston Hollow.
Chris Swann/The Dallas Morning News
Anti-James Talarico political signage is displayed among Halloween decor in the front yard of a house along Deloache Avenue, Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026, in Preston Hollow.
Chris Swann/The Dallas Morning News
Sticking out among the rows of multi-million dollar homes and manicured lawns of Preston Hollow is an elaborate Halloween decoration — and theatrical political statement — making waves on social media.
Ryan Devitis set up more than 30 figurines and mannequins in his front yard to celebrate Halloween. His lawn is full of massive skeletons, gory werewolves and hairy tarantulas — all framing a “No Talafreako for Texas” display in the middle of the yard.
“I just want [Ken] Paxton to win,” Devitis said, voicing his support for the former Texas attorney general who is facing state Sen. James Talarico in a bid for the U.S. Senate. “I just don’t think Talarico could be trusted.”
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Neighbors and onlookers drove by Devitis’ house throughout the morning, slowing down to take photos of the elaborate Halloween decorations and Paxton enthusiasm. Alicia Weinstein, who has lived in the neighborhood all her life, said the decorations were “unbelievable.”
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“His neighbors are Democrats,” she said, pointing to the Talarico and Gina Hinojosa signs decorating the lawns of surrounding homes. “Maybe this is why he decorated so much — to be a proud Republican.”
Devitis is no stranger to attention from neighbors. His house was at the center of conversation when Dallas City Council member Gay Donnell Willis reported the city spent $25,375 to control traffic attracted by the house’s Christmas decorations in 2025, complete with life-sized reindeer and hundreds of flickering lights.
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Willis, who represents the district Preston Hollow resides in, wrote in a statement that Devitis’ latest Halloween display “really adds to community spirit.” She did not comment on the various “Recall Gay Willis” signs that dotted Devitis’ lawn.
J.T. Ennis, a spokesperson for the Talarico campaign, wrote in a statement that the representative from Austin looks forward to representing all Texans in the U.S. Senate, “no matter what their Halloween decorations look like.”
“No skeletons are scarier than the ones in Ken Paxton’s closet,” Ennis added.
A Ken Paxton for U.S. Senate sign is placed among Halloween decor in the front yard of a house along Deloache Avenue, Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026, in Preston Hollow.
Chris Swann/The Dallas Morning News
The Dallas Morning News reached out to Paxton’s campaign for comment but did not immediately receive a response.
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While Willis said she has yet to receive any complaints about the decor, she noted residents reached out with concerns about visitors walking in the street and through front yards.
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“This street does not have sidewalks, and cars and people are not meant to occupy the same space for safety reasons,” she said. “It’s best to stay in your car and drive slowly through the neighborhood.”
Dallas police are on standby in case of increased traffic, Willis said, but neighbors said the streets have remained relatively clear thus far.
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For Devitis, who has decorated his house elaborately since 2019, it’s never been about the visitors or the politics. The tradition, he said, is all to make the holidays more special for his two young daughters.
“I really do it for my kids,” he said. “I’m glad other people enjoy it.”