EAGLE PASS, Texas - The campaign bus marked Talarico for Texas pulled up outside Memo's Restaurant right along the border. Bibi Valdez hurried over in heels, phone raised to capture the arrival while discussing how many locals had altered their voting habits in recent years.

A number of residents, especially Hispanics, moved toward Republican candidates, she noted, as security made room for James Talarico. She expressed confusion over the shift in support.

Talarico is pursuing a historic goal of becoming the first Democrat to secure a statewide victory in Texas since 1994. The stop at the restaurant formed part of a broader tour along the border this month aimed at reconnecting with Hispanic-majority counties that drew national attention after the 2024 election.

These areas had long favored Democrats but many backed Republican President Donald Trump, some by wide margins, reflecting a broader national trend among Hispanic voters. Locals and officials here often cite rising border crossings and living costs as key factors. Crossings have since declined sharply, though everyday expenses remain elevated.

Trump has reduced illegal border activity, an area that challenged Democrats, yet high living costs persist and give Talarico repeated talking points in his contest against Republican Ken Paxton, the state attorney general.

Talarico's ability to draw Hispanic voters back from the GOP will shape the Senate contest and influence Democratic prospects for Senate control overall.

The former teacher and state lawmaker paused to greet supporters and take photos outside the packed restaurant. Valdez reflected on the reasons behind recent Republican votes before posing with the candidate.

She suggested some expected economic gains that failed to materialize, then smiled for the picture.

Inside the crowded dining room under whirring fans, Talarico began his remarks to an energized audience.

Many politicians visit the border to criticize and exploit the situation, he said, but his approach highlights the strengths of these communities instead.

He rarely dwelled on border matters during the visit, focusing instead on an economy he described as tilted toward major donors and labeling Paxton a tool for wealthy interests.

Hard work and saving no longer suffice because the system works against ordinary people, he added.

Talarico follows other recent Democratic Senate candidates who generated excitement about flipping the solidly Republican state. Beto O'Rourke pursued a comparable effort in 2018 without success.

Republicans express continued confidence in Texas, yet Democrats identify grounds for cautious optimism.

Although Trump improved among Hispanic voters in 2024, his approval ratings among Hispanics have declined nationally since taking office, per AP-NORC data. Just 29 percent of Hispanic adults approved of his performance in a June poll, down from 41 percent earlier in the term.

Along the Rio Grande, migrant flows represent a tangible local concern. Residents remember groups sheltered under bridges in emergency blankets and the resulting strain on businesses and public funds.

Many felt the prior administration provided little assistance.

One resident described the previous situation as a nightmare, noting the current absence of visible migrant activity at a Maverick County McDonald's.

Maverick County recorded one of the largest shifts toward Trump nationwide in 2024, moving from a Biden margin to a substantial Trump lead.

Three men at the location, holding varied political views, were not closely tracking the Senate race but shared concerns over costs, immigration enforcement, and social topics.

Prices stayed manageable under earlier administrations, one observed, but shopping now feels far more costly.

Another, who backs Talarico, called the current president erratic.

High prices have not prompted one man to reconsider his Republican choice, and he voiced support for ICE operations.

A third expressed unease over enforcement actions affecting long-term residents with families and criticized Paxton's record while noting discomfort with Talarico's past remarks on religion.

He remained undecided ahead of November.

Paxton has emphasized immigration enforcement, including during his Rio Grande Valley visit, where he highlighted lawsuits against the prior administration and his border patrol endorsement.

He repeated attacks on Talarico's earlier comments about God and appealed to conservative values.

Paxton's Hispanic outreach director stated the candidate addresses priorities like fighting crime and consumer gouging while portraying Talarico as weak on cartel threats.

Talarico addressed enforcement during his tour by joining local sheriffs in Sanderson to promise technology investments, more agents, and additional judges.

After a town hall on housing, taxes, and healthcare costs, he told the Associated Press that prior border policies left communities disillusioned and open to Republican promises that have not fully delivered.