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Poll: Democrat Talarico Leads Cornyn, Paxton in Texas

4/28/2026

28 4 Full Breakdown

Center

Talarico Leads Poll

A Texas Public Opinion Research poll released April 28 shows Democrat James Talarico leading both Republican Senate candidates statewide.
James Talarico leads Sen. John Cornyn 44% to 41% and AG Ken Paxton 46% to 41% in the poll.
Independents give Talarico 51% support versus 29% for Cornyn.
The Cook Political Report classifies the seat as likely Republican for the upcoming election.

Right

Cornyn Urges Condemnation

Senator John Cornyn urged candidate James Talarico to condemn his pastor’s sermon referencing the assassination attempt on President Donald Trump.
Pastor Dr. Jim Rigby was accused by Cornyn of editing his sermon to mislead voters.
Talarico said violence is unacceptable and thanked President Donald Trump and Vice President for safety.
RNC Zach Kraft called the pastor’s “mixed feelings” comment disgusting and blamed Democrats for violence.

Blindspot

Blindspot

Center coverage highlighted the Texas poll showing Talarico ahead of Cornyn and Paxton, with independent and Black voter margins and a Cook Republican rating, which the Right summary omitted.
Right coverage centered on Cornyn urging Talarico to condemn a pastor’s sermon about the Trump assassination attempt, a detail absent from the Center summary.

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Talarico Leads Poll

A Texas Public Opinion Research poll released April 28 shows Democrat James Talarico leading both Republican Senate candidates statewide.
James Talarico leads Sen. John Cornyn 44% to 41% and AG Ken Paxton 46% to 41% in the poll.
Independents give Talarico 51% support versus 29% for Cornyn.
The Cook Political Report classifies the seat as likely Republican for the upcoming election.

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