4 minPolitics
Texas Senate race exposes generational divide among college roommates in Trump country
Three Texas Tech roommates, who share an apartment but hold sharply different views, illustrate the divide behind the unexpectedly close Senate contest between Ken Paxton and James Talarico.
Three college roommates at Texas Tech University in Lubbock share a roof, split their bills and attend the same classes, yet they hold very different views on who should shape Texas's future. Their disagreements reflect the divide behind a Senate race that has drawn national attention in a state Republicans have dominated for decades.
The race between Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico has become unexpectedly competitive, despite President Donald Trump's nearly 14-point victory in Texas in 2024. A Fox News poll conducted in October found Paxton and Talarico tied at 49% among likely voters. Trump visited Lubbock on Tuesday to rally alongside Paxton, while Talarico campaigned elsewhere in the city, underscoring how closely both parties are contesting the West Texas electorate.
For Isabella, a student studying oil and gas, the election is closely tied to her career plans. She said Republican policies offer a more favorable environment for the energy industry, particularly on pipeline construction and government regulation. "I don't think that there should be extreme regulations against exploration and production," she said. She also doubts that Texas will flip to Democratic control anytime soon.
Kate, a 19-year-old first-time voter from Dallas, backed Talarico, citing his positions on abortion and immigration. She expressed opposition to Texas's near-total abortion ban, saying « I think that women should have the right to their own bodies ». She also praised his approach to immigration enforcement, arguing that authorities should prioritize dangerous criminals rather than people working and contributing to their communities. Kate said that being a first-time voter made the election feel meaningful, adding that it was exciting to feel she could help bring about change.
Candy, 21, who grew up in Chico, Texas, voted for Talarico and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gina Hinojosa, citing public education, healthcare and affordability. She said filling up her car now costs roughly $60 to $70, nearly double the $30 to $35 she previously paid. For a college student already juggling tuition, groceries and living expenses, that extra cost each week leaves less room in her budget. "That 30 or 40 [dollars] could go toward other expenses," she said.
Despite supporting Democrats, Candy and Kate both expressed uncertainty about whether Texas is ready for a political shift. Candy said she believes there is hope for the state but does not think Texas is yet as blue as she would like. Kate said her experience in a college town has exposed her to more liberal viewpoints than she might encounter elsewhere in the state, and that she hopes the state flips but is not certain it will.
Despite their differences, the roommates have found common ground in their shared living space. Political disagreements occasionally surface, but the students say difficult conversations can help them better understand one another without necessarily changing minds. "I don't think that politics should play a huge role in a friendship or in your living situation," Isabella said. Kate said she tries to understand her friends as individuals rather than judge them by their political preferences. "My entire personality doesn't change, based off who I vote for," she said. "And their personality doesn't change based off of who they vote for."
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