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Ellie Ashby

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico speaks during a press conference at the Hyatt Centric Congress Avenue on July 22, 2026 in Austin, Texas. The discussion comes as data centers have emerged as a major political issue in Texas, with Gov. Greg Abbott calling for stronger oversight of their expansion. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

Paxton, Talarico tap contrary versions of God and Christianity in appeal to Texas voters

Ellie Ashby
Clayton Tucker, Democratic candidate for Texas Agriculture Commissioner, speaks at the Capitol to protest data center expansion. (Jay Janner/The Austin American-Statesman via Getty Images)

“A deal with the devil”: Religion motivates data center opponents in Texas

Ellie Ashby, Chloe Landen