Texas Democratic Senate hopeful James Talarico is slated to hold a high-dollar fundraiser in Los Angeles in September, an event that will feature co-creator of "Lost" Damon Lindelof and his wife, Heidi, as hosts. Ticket prices for the September 10 event in Brentwood range from $500 to $13,500. This marks Talarico's second Hollywood fundraising event in recent months, following a June gathering hosted by Hollywood producer Peter Chernin.
Meanwhile, Talarico's opponent, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, is set to attend the Republican National Committee’s midterm convention in Dallas. The convention will also feature former President Donald Trump and other prominent Republicans. On the same evening as the Dallas rally, former President Barack Obama is scheduled to headline a Democratic House fundraiser in New York City.
Campaign finance records from the first quarter indicated that approximately 50% of the funds raised by Talarico originated from donors outside of Texas. RNC spokesperson Zach Kraft criticized Talarico, suggesting he is more comfortable in California than presenting himself as a "real" Texan. Talarico's campaign did not respond to requests for comment.
Talarico, currently a progressive lawmaker in the Texas House of Representatives, has faced Republican criticism for past statements, including remarks about gender and meat consumption's link to climate change.
The race between Talarico and Paxton is considered close. A July Fox News poll showed Talarico leading Paxton by three percentage points, 51% to 48%, within the poll's margin of error. Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana noted that fundraising is a significant factor in the race, urging Trump to provide financial support to Paxton.
Trump has pledged to campaign in Texas and support Paxton, whom he described as a "very good candidate." He also referred to Talarico with a derisive nickname, "Talafreako."