Vance takes aim at Talarico in Texas convention speech

Vice President Vance used a speech at the Republican National Committee’s midterm convention in Dallas on Thursday evening to sharply criticize state lawmaker James Talarico. The remarks singled out Talarico by name and came while Vance was speaking in the lawmaker’s home state.

Talarico is a Democratic candidate running this November against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) in a race to succeed GOP Sen. John Cornyn. The contest has drawn attention as part of broader efforts by both parties to contest Senate seats ahead of the midterm elections.

Vance’s Dallas remarks were delivered on the RNC convention stage, where national Republican messaging is being coordinated and amplified. By directing criticism at a Democratic Senate contender on local ground, the speech tied national party attention to a state-level contest.

The account of the speech notes that Vance issued pointed criticism of Talarico but does not provide a full transcript of his remarks. Organizers and attendees at the convention continue to highlight the event as a venue for sharpening campaign themes ahead of November.