Vance campaigns for Paxton, attacks Talarico in Tyler

Vice President JD Vance urged voters in Tyler, Texas, to elect Republican Ken Paxton to the U.S. Senate, using a campaign rally to criticize Democratic nominee James Talarico over his views on sex education, gender and schools. Speaking October 13 at Tyler Pounds Regional Airport, Vance argued that Paxton wanted schools to focus on reading, writing and arithmetic. He told the crowd that Talarico should keep his “freaky paws out of our schools,” referring to Talarico’s support for sex education as an important subject for students. Vance also attacked Talarico’s positions on transgender youth and other social issues, and called him “a threat to your way of life.” The rally included a personal jab when an audience member told Vance, “I love you.” Vance replied, “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 said he is gay, according to one account of the episode; Vance’s remark implied a contrast between the candidates’ sexuality.