Talarico vs. Paxton / Issues / Taxes
Does James Talarico want to tax tips, overtime and Social Security?
Short answer
No. FactCheck.org called the GOP attack misleading: Talarico has said he supports the middle-class tax breaks on tips, overtime and Social Security. He opposed the 2025 tax law overall, arguing it mainly helped billionaires, and the only tax increases he backs are on the wealthiest corporations and individuals. Ken Paxton is running on new tax deductions for medical costs, home down payments and healthy living.
Side by side
Talarico
Paxton
Tips, overtime, Social Security
Supports the tax breaks on all three. As a state legislator, he never voted on the federal law.
Attack ads claim Talarico opposes them; FactCheck.org found that misleading.
Who pays more
Raise taxes only on the wealthiest corporations and individuals.
No tax increases proposed.
New breaks
Larger Child Tax Credit.
Larger Child Tax Credit; deductions of up to $25,000 for out-of-pocket medical costs, $50,000 for a home down payment and $5,000 for healthy living.
Side-by-side drawn from the sources listed below.
Key facts
- Texas has no state income tax. Tips, overtime and Social Security taxes are federal. El Paso Times
- The Tax Foundation estimates the tips, overtime and Social Security provisions are about $450 of the average $3,813 in 2026 savings from the law. FactCheck.org
Join the conversation
Public posts and news coverage where Texans are talking about this issue.
RedditCost-of-living discussion on r/FortWorthFacebookGroup discussion: Texas gas taxNewsWhat candidates are proposing to make Texas more affordable · Texas TribuneNewsTexas gas prices dip, national average remains near record · FOX 7 AustinYouTubeTalarico interview · CBS NewsQuoraWhen will food and gas prices go back down?