Texas Republican U.S. Senate nominee Ken Paxton accused the mainstream media of trying to hide the political views of his Democratic opponent, James Talarico. Paxton delivered the charge Friday during an appearance on FNC’s “The Will Cain Show.”

Paxton described Talarico as a “socialist Democrat” who wants to transform the United States into something far removed from “what our founders intended.” He argued that his campaign must take its message directly to Texans because major media outlets will not accurately explain Talarico’s positions.

Host Will Cain opened the discussion by pointing to the long drought Democrats have faced in Texas Senate contests. He also asked Paxton to assess the race with Election Day rapidly approaching.

“As you well know, there hasn’t been a Democrat elected to Senate in Texas since 1988, Lloyd Bentsen,” Cain said. “How do you feel four days out from the election?”

Gun Laws Have Changed! Protect yourself by knowing where you can and cannot carry your firearm, so you can travel with confidence.

Paxton responded by highlighting his campaign’s bus tour across Texas and his appearances with prominent Republican leaders. He said the campaign had traveled throughout the state while working to reach voters through public events and advertising.

“Look, we have been on a 17-day bus tour, and I feel very good. We are hitting all parts of the state,” Paxton replied.

Paxton said he had appeared with J.D. Vance the previous day and had also joined the president in Corpus Christi and Lubbock. Those appearances were part of what Paxton described as a broad effort to spread his campaign’s message across Texas.

“I was with J.D. Vance yesterday. I was with the president in Corpus Christi and Lubbock. We’re trying to get our message out,” Paxton said.

The Republican nominee then turned his attention to the mainstream media, accusing the press of shielding Talarico from scrutiny. Paxton said voters were not being given an honest picture of his Democratic opponent or the political change Talarico seeks.

“Obviously, the mainstream media doesn’t want you to know what James Talarico really is, which is a socialist Democrat who does want to transform this country into something very different than what our founders intended,” Paxton said.

Paxton maintained that his campaign bears the responsibility of getting that message before the public. He said the campaign was doing so through speeches around the state and through advertisements aimed at Texas voters.

“And so it’s our job to get the message out. We’re doing it by speaking all over, but we’re also using ads,” Paxton said.

Paxton also mocked Talarico’s attempt to present himself as David in the race, arguing that the Democrat had raised more money than Paxton. According to Paxton, most of Talarico’s financial support was coming from California, New York, and Chicago.

“And I think it’s very ironic that he said he’s David, when he’s raised more money from me, and most of it coming from California, New York and Chicago,” Paxton said.

The Republican nominee then challenged Talarico’s rhetoric about the Washington establishment. Paxton pointed directly to Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer and said the liberal Democratic establishment in Washington was supporting Talarico’s campaign.

“So, I think it’s interesting that he’s talking about the Washington establishment,” Paxton added. “Well, guess what? The liberal Democratic Washington establishment, Chuck Schumer, is behind this guy.”

Paxton closed his criticism by accusing Talarico of concealing his identity and misleading voters about both candidates’ positions. He said the Democrat was not being truthful about his own views and was also presenting Paxton’s positions inaccurately.

“So it’s typical of this guy to try to cover up who he really is, but the reality is, he’s lying to the public,” Paxton said. “He’s not telling the truth about his positions, and he’s not talking about my positions in an accurate way as well.”

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.