Talarico vs Paxton Senate race
The gist
Democrat James Talarico and Republican Ken Paxton are making closing arguments in Texas's Senate race, with polls split.
The most expensive US Senate race ever may decide which party controls the Senate.
How it unfolded
- Aug 24, 2026Hearst Newspapers' Texas Senate poll tracker was originally published.
- Sep 2026Republican groups began a major ad blitz, putting tens of millions into defending Paxton.
- Oct 21, 2026A Cook Political Report battleground poll showed Talarico leading Paxton 49% to 44%, a 5-point lead outside the poll's 3.2-point margin of error.