Vice President JD Vance Rallies Support in Texas

Vice President JD Vance held a rally on Tuesday in Tyler, Texas, aiming to rally support for Republican candidates, specifically Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is challenging Democrat James Talarico for a U.S. Senate seat.

During the event, Vance announced a collaboration between the Trump administration and Delek Refining, a local petroleum refinery, to enhance its operations. This expansion is expected to lower costs for transportation and fuel for everyday Texans, enhance energy reliability, and ultimately create hundreds of jobs.

“What that means for you and your families is lower costs to fly from one place to another,” Vance said. “It means lower costs to drive your car into work every single day, it means a more reliable energy supply, but also a stronger national defense, and it will also mean hundreds of good-paying new jobs,” he emphasized.

He added, “What I care most about is that it means more opportunities for Texans. For your kids and your grandkids to build a life without having to leave the community that they love.” Vance criticized the Democrats for, in his view, creating an economy where families might feel obligated to leave their hometowns for better opportunities.

Vance cautioned against voting for Talarico, whom he referred to as “Tala-freak-o,” arguing that his vision for Texas—a place where families can prosper—would be jeopardized.

“You know why you don’t mess with Texas? ‘Cause if you do, Ken Paxton is gonna kick your ass, that’s why,” Vance declared, prompting cheers from the crowd.

He also praised Paxton’s record of service over the past decade, including his efforts to safeguard children and online privacy, as well as his fight against the opioid crisis and corporate misdeeds. Vance cited Paxton’s litigation against pharmaceutical companies for allegedly misleading the public about drug efficacy.

Furthermore, he commended Paxton’s actions against hospitals that provide transgender medical care to minors, highlighting a recent agreement that halted certain treatments at Texas Children’s Hospital and established a clinic focused on detransitioning.

In contrast, Vance noted Talarico’s controversial statements regarding gender identity and education, pointing out his claims that God is “non-binary” and that children’s educational priorities should emphasize sexual education. Vance questioned Talarico’s suitability for office based on these views.

“The best part about this guy is … he was asked what he loves in life besides his own family and friends, and he responded, without skipping a beat, and I quote, ‘Trans children,’” Vance remarked, suggesting concerns about Talarico’s priorities.

Vance also challenged Talarico’s remarks on systemic racism and policing, arguing that should Talarico be elected, he would align with progressive figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Chuck Schumer, rather than representing the interests of Texans.