Vance backs Paxton, jabs Talarico at Tyler rally

Vice President JD Vance used a campaign rally in Tyler, Texas, on October 13 to urge voters to elect Republican Ken Paxton to the U.S. Senate, criticize Democratic nominee James Talarico and announce a planned refinery expansion with Delek. The remarks included a personal joke about Talarico’s sexuality, whose effect on the close race is unknown. Responding to a supporter who told him, “I love you,” Vance said, “In a totally platonic way, to be clear. I’m the Vice President, not James Talarico.” The exchange was captured on video. Talarico has not publicly identified as gay, and Vance’s joke suggested a contrast between the candidates. Vance’s speech also focused on Talarico’s positions on education, gender, energy, policing and border enforcement. He argued that Paxton would keep schools focused on basic subjects and described Talarico as a threat to Texans’ way of life. Paxton, Texas’ attorney general, is seeking the Republican nomination for the Senate seat; Talarico is a Democratic state representative and former teacher. At a rally on October 15, guest host Raven-Symoné criticized Vance’s remark as unsolicited. She also said that using gay or vegan as insults was outdated.