Texas Senate Race: Talarico and Paxton Battle for Control
With early voting nearing 50 million ballots, the Texas contest has become a central measure of voter sentiment toward President Trump's second term.
By Sienna Foster ·
The race for the open U.S. Senate seat in Texas has emerged as a primary indicator of how voters view President Donald Trump's leadership and his allies within the Republican Party. The contest between Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico is widely considered a tossup, with both candidates launching final appeals to voters on Saturday.
Early voting totals across several states reached approximately 50 million ballots heading into the weekend. This figure is approaching the total of 112 million votes cast in the 2022 midterm elections. The high turnout in the closing days of October signals intense participation in the 2026 cycle.
Talarico, a state legislator and former teacher, attacked Paxton, the state attorney general, as a symbol of a corrupt political system. Speaking in Houston, Talarico framed the choice as a financial one. “This election is about whether you want a senator who puts money in your pocket or who puts money in his own,” he said. He also cited Elon Musk, who has spent more than $150 million of personal funds to support Paxton, as a key shadow opponent.
Paxton responded from Fort Worth by characterizing Talarico as too liberal for Texas. He argued that Talarico would serve as a follower to Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer if the Democrats gain a majority. Paxton also issued stark warnings about the consequences of losing the state. “I’m not exaggerating when I say, if we lose Texas, we lose America,” he told supporters.
President Trump shifted his campaign strategy on Saturday, opting for virtual rallies instead of in-person events. After spending the morning at a golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida, he was scheduled to participate in six tele-rallies. These calls covered races in Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, Michigan, and two in Florida. Trump posted on his social media site, urging followers to “Answer your phones, and ENJOY!”
The outcome in Texas will influence the balance of power in the U.S. Senate. Republicans currently hold a 53-47 advantage. Democrats require at least four new seats to secure a majority. If they lose the competitive Senate race in Michigan, they would need at least five additional seats to take control of the chamber.
Source: ABC News
