Texas Senate race: Paxton and Talarico head into Election Day in a tight contest
The gist
Texas voters head to the polls with Paxton and Talarico within the margin of error.
Democrats haven't won a statewide Senate seat in Texas since 1988.
How it unfolded
- Oct 14, 2026An ActiVote poll shows Talarico at 51.9% and Paxton at 48.1% among 400 likely voters, within the ±4.9% margin.
- Oct 18, 2026A CBS News poll describes the race as essentially tied and all about turnout.
- Oct 20, 2026Paxton and Talarico both campaign in Fort Worth on the first day of early voting in Tarrant County.