Nathalie Phan-Clifford

On Monday, early voting season will be upon us.

If you caught the CNN & Jubilee Town Hall last night with James Talarico, whether you vote Democrat or Republican, I hope that you'll agree that, while there are a lot of issues dividing Texans, there is always common ground.

I respect Mr. Talarico for not just for how clearly he states his policy positions (of which there is plenty I don't agree with him fully) but for his willingness to have conversations with those who disagree.

It is much easier to treat someone on the "other side" as a villain than to talk to them as a friend and neighbor. To do so shows strength and leadership. It shows experience, maturity and character. And it is the makings of an American senator.

After many years of continued divisiveness, I think it's important that we vote for someone who is not afraid to debate and show up for their constituents, someone who can transparently state their positions with immense clarity, someone who is not running a campaign based purely on demonizing their opponent through AI attack ads. We need candidates who are honest and willing to engage with the public, who will fulfill their obligation to the people——not to just the President. That person is James Talarico.

Whether or not you share in my perspectives, please consider my last point: Senators have to make tough decisions on behalf of the people of their state. If Ken Paxton is too proud to engage with his own community, if he is too cowardly to debate his opponent, or too lazy or inept to explain his history of corruption, he's not good enough to be your senator.

That said, James Talarico is not the only one running to make Texas a safer and more affordable place to live. I will also be voting for Gina Hinojosa for Governor, Vikki Goodwin for Lt. Governor, Sarah Eckhardt for State Comptroller and a number of other Democratic candidates for state office. 

If you have been unhappy with how things have been in the State of Texas, know that the government leaders you have elected have the ability to change those circumstances. They have chosen not to. 

For instance, Greg Abbott could lower property taxes, prevent insurance companies from jacking up prices for homeowners insurance, and stop taking money from AI data centers that are destroying our environment and neighborhoods. 

Dan Patrick can stop pretending that marijuana harms more children than alcohol, which is a factor in a third of all traffic deaths (on the other hand, the CDC has reported zero deaths from marijuana consumption). 

These politicians could make groceries, gas, medical bills more affordable. They won't, not because they can't, but because they are loyal to the corporations and billionaires who have donated to their campaigns.