When it comes to foreign policy, the two candidates vying to represent Texas in the U.S. Senate could not be further apart.
Democrat James Talarico and Republican Ken Paxton are set to face off in the November 3 General Election to replace outgoing U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, who was bested in a May runoff by Paxton after he earned a late endorsement by President Donald Trump. Both candidates include foreign policy platforms on their campaign websites.
For Talarico, foreign policy means a wide slate of priorities, from backing Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russian to pursuing peace between Israel and Palestine.
“I will reject efforts to shut America off from the rest of the world — because I know it makes us weaker and less secure,” Talarico said in a statement on his website. “I’m committed to working in partnership with our foreign allies and engaging in diplomacy that will help us prevent attacks on American soil and avoid unnecessary wars.”
Following is a breakdown of some of Talarico’s foreign policy priorities:
“As U.S. Senator, I will do everything in my power to ensure America always leads with moral clarity in its approach to foreign policy,” Talarico said on his website. “Not only is it the right thing to do — but it will make America stronger, richer, and safer.”
Paxton’s ‘America First’ agenda
By contrast, Paxton offers little in the way of details when it comes to his foreign policy priorities.
For Paxton, foreign policy means little more than towing the line on Trump’s “America First” agenda, a common theme throughout Paxton’s campaign. On his campaign website, Paxton vows to back “foreign policy that puts America first — period.”
“While many Washington career politicians are concerned with sending billions to foreign countries and protecting the borders of other nations, Ken Paxton’s top priority will always be the American people,” his website states. “Alongside President Trump, he will work to advance an America First foreign policy that promotes peace through strength, prioritizes our nation’s interests first and foremost, and ensures the safety of American citizens.”
There are no additional details about his foreign policy priorities listed on Paxton’s website.
Adam Powell covers government and politics for the El Paso Times and can be reached via email at apowell@elpasotimes.com.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Talarico, Paxton split on foreign policy in Texas US Senate race
Reporting by Adam Powell, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Adam Powell, El Paso Times | USA TODAY Network
