Texas Senate candidate policies on education, immigration explained

Polling continues to show the United States Senate race between Attorney General Ken Paxton and Texas House Rep. James Talarico, D-Austin, as one of the most competitive statewide elections. As a U.S. Senator, either candidate would have the opportunity to influence federal education and immigration policy, issues that UT students voiced concerns about in Daily Texan interviews across Speedway. 

Higher Education

At The Texas Tribune Festival, the Democratic nominee, Talarico, was asked about providing support for underrepresented students at public universities following anti-diversity, equity and inclusion legislation. In response, he said Texas’ diversity is its strength. He did not directly talk about any specific initiatives or policies he plans to address as U.S. Senator. 

As a Texas House representative, Talarico co-authored a 2025 House bill that exempted some paramedics from tuition and laboratory fees. He also authored bills that would lower higher education costs by establishing specific tuition exemptions and grant programs, but neither of those bills passed.

Republican nominee Paxton said DEI policies are unconstitutional and prevent equal opportunities for
citizens, according to a January news release. In April, Paxton investigated the University of North Texas for its DEI policies. 

Paxton previously won a joint lawsuit with the U.S. Department of Justice against the state for the Texas Dream Act, which provided in-state tuition to certain undocumented students in Texas. Paxton also sued the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board over three university work-study programs that excluded religious organizations and instruction, arguing that they violated the First Amendment.

K-12 

Talarico, a former public school teacher, has focused heavily on K-12 public education in his campaign. According to his website, as a U.S. Senator, he plans to make investments in early childhood education, fight against private school vouchers and create more career-based paths for students’ transition into the workforce. During the last legislative session, Talarico advocated for private school vouchers to be voted on by Texans, but his amendment did not pass.

In 2023, Paxton issued a legal opinion that argued vouchers are constitutional, stating “Texas parents should have the right to choose the best school for their kids, and every Texas child deserves the opportunity to attend a good, safe school where they can learn and thrive.” Paxton also instructed schools to continue displaying the Ten Commandments in classrooms despite a federal halt.

Immigration

At a U.S. Hispanic Business Council event Wednesday, Talarico said he wants strong border security, but he also wants to create more legal pathways for people to move to the U.S., as well as create more avenues for people who already live here to become citizens. Last year, he authored legislation advocating for the installation of advanced X-ray inspections at the border, which did not pass.

Paxton told the U.S. Hispanic Business Council that the border must be secure before allowing more immigrants into the country. Paxton stated he is open to work authorization programs to fill open jobs, under the condition that migrants enter the country legally and the border is secure. 

Paxton’s campaign website states he will help President Donald Trump complete border wall construction and “deport the criminal illegal aliens.”  

Talarico and Paxton did not respond to requests for comment from the Daily Texan.

​