SUMMARY
The Texas flag shares America's red, white and blue. But its politics have run Republican red for thirty years. Shifting demographics have raised and dashed Democrats' hopes before, but this year, a GOP divided by political scandals, rising prices and fights over big tech is restoring Democrats' faith in a potential Senate race upset.
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WARM-UP QUESTIONS
- Who are the Republican ad Democratic candidates in the Texas Senate race?
- What current developments are giving Democrats hope for an upset?
- Why are some Texans concerned about Ken Paxton’s history? What about James Talarico's history?
- What platform is candidate James Talarico running on?
- How has President Donald Trump backed Paxton’s campaign?
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
Based on the interviews and clips in the segment featuring Republican and Democratic voters, what do you believe will sway the Texas election? Will Republicans staying home and disapproval of Paxton lead to a victory for the Democrats? Or will Talarico’s provocative comments and Texas’ red history lead to another GOP victory?
Media literacy: What does a United States senator actually do? If you were or are voting in the upcoming midterms, what issues take priority to you as a young citizen?
WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO
Watch this short video from USA Today explaining the process and importance of midterm elections:
Next, research your local ballot here from Vote411.org and explore the candidates and ballot propositions (issues) you or your family can vote on directly in November. Regardless of your voter status, it is important as a citizen to understand the impact the midterms will have on your community and the future of the country.
- Who is running for office where you live? At the local level? State? National/federal level?
- Are there any ballot initiatives (when voters vote directly on an issue) where you live? What are they? Do you think the language of the initiative is clear? Explain.
- What is one policy or candidate involved in the midterm elections that you would like to know more about?
Written by PBS News Hour Classroom's intern Ryan Sowder and News Hour's Victoria Pasquantonio
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