{"id":436969,"date":"2026-09-15T20:38:09","date_gmt":"2026-09-15T20:38:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/436969\/"},"modified":"2026-09-15T20:38:09","modified_gmt":"2026-09-15T20:38:09","slug":"fact-check-texas-u-s-senate-candidates-on-lowering-taxes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/436969\/","title":{"rendered":"Fact Check: Texas U.S. Senate candidates on lowering taxes"},"content":{"rendered":"

Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico have outlined their tax and affordability initiatives while on the campaign trail for the U.S. Senate.<\/p>\n

Paxton, who serves as Texas Attorney General, and Talarico, an Austin-area state representative, are in a closely-watched race to represent Texas statewide in Washington. In the Lone Star State<\/a> and across the country,<\/a> economic issues rank among voters\u2019 top priorities for the Nov. 3 midterms. Early voting runs from Oct. 19-30.<\/p>\n

What have Paxton<\/a> and Talarico<\/a> said about saving taxpayers money? We break it down.<\/p>\n

Tax PolicyKen Paxton, Republican<\/p>\n

Paxton\u2019s affordability plan includes<\/a> a series of tax deductions. He proposes:<\/p>\n

Making \u201cTrump Accounts\u201d permanent and doubling the existing Child Tax Credit<\/a>.A $25,000 tax deduction on out-of-pocket medical expenses, for individuals and an additional $25,000 for each dependent.A $50,000 deduction for first-time homebuyers and Texans who move to a new primary home.A $5,000 tax deduction for \u201chealthy lifestyle\u201d related spending. This includes expenses like gym memberships, nutrition plans, GLP-1 medications and sports for dependents, according to Paxton\u2019s campaign.<\/p>\n

When announcing his plan, Paxton said: \u201cWe all know that Texans and Americans are struggling with expenses. I want to make it easier for people to pay those expenses.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Ken Ken Paxton, Texas Attorney General and candidate for U.S. Senate, speaks on night one of the 2026 Republican Convention on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026 at American Airlines Center in Dallas. Abigail Dollins Fort Worth Star-Telegram James Talarico, Democrat<\/p>\n

Much of Talarico\u2019s campaign for affordability has focused on taking on billionaires.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have an affordability crisis because we have a corruption crisis,\u201d Talarico said at an August event in Arlington.<\/a> \u201cWe\u2019re getting screwed. Whether you\u2019re a little more conservative or a little more progressive, we\u2019re all getting screwed.\u201d<\/p>\n

According to his website, Talarico\u2019s tax-focused affordability initiatives include:<\/p>\n

Making billionaires \u201cpay their fair share in taxes\u201d by increasing taxes on their income and capital gains and ending loopholes used by billionaires \u201cto grow untaxed wealth.\u201dRolling back tax breaks for corporations and closing loopholes that \u201callow hedge funds to avoid paying billions that they owe.\u201dEliminating the social security tax cap for those earning more than $400,000 a year.Expanding the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit.<\/a>Reinstating the Affordable Care Act\u2019s enhanced premium tax credits.Expanding the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit.Repealing \u201cTrump tariffs.\u201d<\/p>\n

Talarico has also proposed suspending the federal diesel tax.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"James James Talarico, Texas\u2019 Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate, kicks off The New American Dream Tour on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026 at Esports Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Talarico will travel to 10 more cities on the tour to talk about his plan for the economy. Abigail Dollins Fort Worth Star-Telegram
\n Follow More of Our Reporting on Reality Check<\/p>\n


\n \"Profile
\n <\/a><\/p>\n

Eleanor Dearman<\/a><\/p>\n

Fort Worth Star-Telegram<\/p>\n

Eleanor (Elly) Dearman is a Texas politics and government reporter for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. She\u2019s based in Austin, covering the Legislature and its impact on North Texas. She grew up in Denton and has been a reporter for more than six years.
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