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The Conversation
The Conversation
S. Marek Muller, Associate Professor of Communication Studies, Texas State University

Republicans have beef with Texas Rep. James Talarico – why does meat matter in US politics?

Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate James Talarico speaks during a rally in Texas in May 2026. Whether Talarico is vegetarian or vegan – he says he is not – has featured heavily in the Senate race. Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP via Getty Images

The 2026 midterms are here, and negative campaign messaging is flooding screens across the U.S. In Texas’ Senate race, Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton’s comments about Democratic Texas Rep. James Talarico have gone viral.

Rather than simply suggesting Talarico is weak on border security or inflation economics, Paxton’s campaign has taken a different rhetorical approach. To quote Fox News host Jesse Watters, “The major factor in this race … is whether Tala-freak-o is a vegan.”

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