Vice President JD Vance rallied Republican voters in Weatherford on Thursday, October 29, urging Texans to support Republican candidates ahead of the November 3 midterm elections while sharply criticizing Democratic U.S. Senate candidate and state Rep. James Talarico (D-District 50).
The afternoon rally took place at JRJ Construction, located at 1140 SW Ric Williamson Memorial Highway. U.S. Rep. Brandon Gill (R-District 26) joined Vance at the event, which focused on Republican turnout, border security and President Donald Trump’s policy agenda.
Tax relief and sovereignty
Vance described Texas as central to the administration’s economic agenda and argued that Republicans have delivered tax relief for working families.
“And our support, the great state of Texas is leading the way for an American renaissance. Thanks to our friends in Congress here, we ended taxes on overtime, we ended taxes on tips, we ended taxes on Social Security, and we expanded benefits for families with young kids because we’re fighting for you for a change,” Vance said during remarks that The Dallas Express covered at the rally.
The vice president also emphasized what he described as restoring American sovereignty and reducing prescription drug prices.
“Now, when I say our movement’s about sovereignty, I mean something simple. I’m talking about an American government that works again for the American people,” Vance said.
Vance targets Talarico
Vance then turned his attention to Talarico, criticizing the Democratic candidate over his positions on parental rights and children.
“Abusing, abusing children, because that’s exactly what it is. And he calls the parents who would protect their kids from that abuse. He calls them abusive. That is a man who has no morals. That is a man who has no center. And that is a man who could never be in the United States Senate with a big time,” Vance said.
Talarico’s voting record
On May 13, 2025, Talarico voted for an amendment that would have treated parents’ refusal to use preferred names or pronouns for children who identify as “transgender” as child abuse. The House rejected the amendment 54-82.
On May 12, 2023, Talarico supported an amendment to lower Senate Bill 14’s age cutoff from 18 to 16, removing 16- and 17-year-olds from its prohibitions on child sex-mutilation surgeries and hormone drugs. The House rejected that amendment 56-81. He then opposed the bill, which the House passed May 15, 2023.
Gill urges Republican turnout
Gill also praised the Trump administration and encouraged Republicans to participate in the election.
“It’s refreshing to have leadership in Washington who cares about the American people, who, like Vice President Vance and President Trump, are fighting to keep our border security, deport violent illegal aliens, and to stop waste, fraud, and abuse of the federal government,” Gill said.
“Every one of you guys are here because you love this country. You love this state,” Gill added.
The rally came during the final days of early voting in Texas, which ends October 30. Election Day falls on November 3.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) faces Talarico in the U.S. Senate race. Vance’s Weatherford appearance formed part of the Republican Party’s broader effort to mobilize voters before Election Day.
Provided by Dallas Express
