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Texas Senate Race Tightens As Democrat James Talarico Challenges Ken Paxton

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Firstpost•14-10-2026, 18:15
Texas Senate Race Tightens As Democrat James Talarico Challenges Ken Paxton
- •A recent ReconMR poll shows Democratic state Rep. James Talarico leading Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton 48 to 44 percent, well within the margin of error.
- •No Texas Democrat has won a U.S. Senate election since 1988, but recent polls indicate a tightening race ahead of the upcoming midterms.
- •Talarico holds a strong lead among independent voters and in urban areas like Austin and San Antonio, while Paxton leads among rural voters and the Republican base.
- •Republicans have spent 210 million dollars to hold the seat after Paxton secured the nomination over incumbent Senator John Cornyn, despite concerns from Washington GOP leaders.
- •Talarico has significantly outraised Paxton, holding a strong financial advantage as both campaigns focus heavily on voter turnout before Election Day.
Key Questions Answered
The Texas Senate race features Democratic state Representative James Talarico and Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton.
A ReconMR poll conducted on October 13 showed that Democratic candidate James Talarico holds a narrow four-point lead over Republican Ken Paxton, 48% to 44%, placing the race within the margin of error.
A Texas Democrat has not won an election to the U.S. Senate since 1988.




