DAVID MARCUS: Ahead of GOP convention, Dallas Dems share worried optimism

Ahead of the GOP convention, Democrats in Dallas said they’re determined for the Texas Senate race, but uneasy about enthusiasm and a key primary dynamic. At a Labor Day rally in the heat at Lofty Spaces, retired nurse Ellen backed Democratic candidate James Talarico over incumbent Ken Paxton, describing Paxton as a “criminal” and saying Texans won’t vote for him. Others praised Talarico’s appeal but said concerns linger about his primary opponent, Rep. Joaquin Castro (referred to as a high-profile Black Democrat in the piece), who has not committed to supporting Talarico. Several attendees argued Castro’s reluctance won’t decide the outcome, yet many said the campaign lacks the buzz seen in 2018 for Beto O’Rourke.