Alamo no longer appears on Ken Paxton’s tour

Key Points:

• A record 7.4 million Texans voted early in the midterms, with Democrats leading turnout in urban counties and Republicans stronger in suburban and rural areas; independents outpaced both parties and are seen as key to deciding races.
• Analysts suggest Republicans need 54% of independent votes to match Democrats, which is unlikely given independents typically split evenly; unpredictable voter behavior includes enthusiastic left-leaning first-timers and disaffected right-leaning voters.
• Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, facing a tough Senate race against Democrat James Talarico, canceled a planned rally at the symbolic Alamo site, possibly reflecting campaign challenges amid past allegations and polling deficits.
• President Donald Trump hosted a lavish Halloween event at Mar-a-Lago attended by prominent Republicans, occurring just days before the midterm elections dominated by voter concerns over the cost of living.
• In other key races, Alaska Senator Dan Sullivan pledged to accept election results despite controversy over a similarly named candidate, while in Maine and Michigan, economic concerns and intraparty tensions are influencing voter sentiment ahead of critical contests.