Ken Paxton Unveils Bold $25K Medical Tax Deduction Plan in Allen — Here’s What Republicans Are Saying

By R.J. Morales | TX3DNews

ALLEN, Texas — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton kicked off a new phase of his U.S. Senate campaign Tuesday night in Allen, unveiling an economic platform he called the “Texas Promise Plan” while urging Republicans to unite behind his candidacy in what supporters repeatedly described as one of the nation’s most important races.

The standing-room-only event featured appearances by conservative commentator Sarah Gonzalez, former state representative Shelley Luther, State Reps. Matt Shaheen and Jeff Leach, and State Sen. Bob Hall before Paxton took the stage.

Brief Interruption as Paxton Takes the Stage

Moments after Paxton began speaking, a woman holding a James Talarico campaign sign stood up inside the venue and was escorted from the room as audience members shouted. Paxton paused briefly before continuing his remarks. The interruption lasted only a short time, and the rally quickly resumed.

New Economic Plan Takes Center Stage

Once the interruption ended, Paxton introduced what he called the “Texas Promise Plan,” a package of proposals aimed at lowering costs for Texas families if elected to the U.S. Senate.

Among the proposals, Paxton called for:

• A $25,000 federal tax deduction for medical expenses and insurance premiums.
• A $50,000 tax deduction for first-time homebuyers.
• Expanded tax benefits for families with children.
• A $5,000 tax deduction for healthy living expenses, including gym memberships, nutrition programs and prescribed GLP-1 medications.

Paxton also said he would pursue regulatory reforms aimed at reducing housing costs, lowering energy prices through reduced regulations and increasing transparency in healthcare pricing.

Campaign Focuses Fire on Talarico

While affordability dominated Paxton’s policy announcements, much of the evening centered on criticism of Democratic nominee James Talarico.

Speakers accused Talarico of supporting higher taxes, opposing the oil and gas industry, backing progressive policies on immigration and transgender issues, and supporting expanded abortion access. Paxton also argued that Talarico has shifted several of his positions since launching his statewide campaign, portraying his opponent as attempting to appeal to moderate voters ahead of the general election.

The campaign repeatedly referred to Talarico as a “socialist” and argued the election would determine whether Texas maintains its conservative direction.

Calls for Republican Unity

Several speakers urged Republicans to move past primary divisions and focus on defeating Democrats in November.

State Rep. Jeff Leach told supporters that disagreements from the primary should remain in the past, arguing that unity would be essential to keeping the Senate seat in Republican hands.

“The choice is clear,” Leach told the audience, encouraging Republicans to support Paxton regardless of differences during the primary campaign.

State Sen. Bob Hall also emphasized voter turnout, reminding attendees that close elections can be decided by a single vote and encouraging supporters to bring additional voters to the polls.

Volunteers Asked to Expand the Campaign

Throughout the evening, speakers repeatedly encouraged supporters to volunteer, donate and actively recruit voters.

Shelley Luther told attendees that simply casting a ballot would not be enough.

“Your vote is not enough,” Luther said, urging supporters to contact friends and family and encourage them to vote. She also encouraged church members to discuss the importance of voting and to “vote your values.”

Matt Shaheen similarly challenged attendees to help bring additional voters to the polls, while Paxton asked supporters to spend a few minutes each day talking with someone about the election and to contribute financially to the campaign.

National Stakes Emphasized

Sarah Gonzalez opened the event by telling supporters that “all eyes are on this race,” adding that “even the fake news media is in the room,” drawing applause from the audience.

Paxton echoed that message during his closing remarks, arguing that the outcome would help shape the country’s future and urging supporters to spend the final weeks before Election Day talking with voters and building support for his campaign.

As the event concluded, supporters lined up to meet Paxton while campaign volunteers circulated through the crowd encouraging attendees to sign up for volunteer opportunities, reinforcing the campaign’s focus on turnout during the final months before the November election.