Elections
Texas Senate Race Between Paxton and Talarico Seen as Pivotal for Senate Control
PN Team • 2 days ago
Texas voters are deciding a U.S. Senate race between Republican Ken Paxton, endorsed by Donald Trump over incumbent John Cornyn, and Democrat James Talarico, a state legislator and former teacher. The contest has become one of the most expensive non-presidential races on record, with ad spending topping $440 million and Republicans significantly outspending Democrats. No Texas Democrat has won statewide since the early 1990s, but recent polling, including a New York Times/Siena survey, shows Talarico opening a notable lead over Paxton amid voter concerns over cost of living, immigration, and Paxton's ethics record, including a dismissed securities fraud indictment and a Texas Senate acquittal on impeachment charges.
Analysts note divisions within the Texas GOP following Trump's endorsement of Paxton over Cornyn, while some attribute Democratic gains more to dissatisfaction with Republicans than enthusiasm for Talarico. Early voting began this week, with the outcome seen as pivotal to Senate control for the remainder of Trump's term.
Sources:
Sentiment
- Ken Paxton Trailing in polls amid references to a dismissed fraud indictment and impeachment trial.
- James Talarico Portrayed as gaining a notable polling lead amid voter discontent with Republicans.
- Texas Senate Noted for acquitting Paxton on impeachment charges, tied to his ethics controversy.
- Democratic Party (United States) Democrats shown gaining ground, attributed partly to GOP dissatisfaction rather than their own strength.
- Republican Party (United States) Described as divided internally following Trump's endorsement decision over Cornyn.
- Donald Trump His endorsement of Paxton over Cornyn is cited as causing GOP division.
- New York (state) Mentioned only as the source location of the New York Times/Siena poll.
- Texas Central setting of the Senate race, described factually without clear praise or blame.
- United States Referenced as the national context for Senate control implications.
- United States Senate Factual mention as the seat being contested, with control framed as pivotal.