Story perspectives

Talarico Leads Paxton in Texas Senate Race Poll, Fundraising

9/1/2026

Center

Paxton vs Talarico

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, the Republican nominee, is contesting the November 2026 U.S. Senate race against Democrat State Rep. James Talarico in Texas.
A Texas Public Opinion Research poll released Aug. 28 gave Talarico a six-point lead over Paxton.
FEC data show Talarico’s campaign raised $68.6 million, while Paxton’s committees raised about $9 million.
U.S. President Donald Trump attended a fundraiser on Aug. 28, with tickets starting at $10,000.

Left

Paxton Faces Accountability

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, the Republican nominee, is contesting the November 2026 U.S. Senate race against Democrat State Rep. James Talarico.
Coverage emphasizes Paxton’s scandal-laden record, his impeachment by the Texas House on bribery charges, and the GOP’s refusal to fund his campaign, underscoring accountability concerns.
James Talarico has raised about $31.5 million for advertising, far outpacing Paxton’s $4.7 million cash on hand.

Blindspot

The Texas House impeached Attorney General Ken Paxton on bribery and corruption allegations, marking a rare legislative move against a sitting statewide official.
Within this story's sources, this angle appears mainly in Left-leaning coverage and receives less attention in Center-leaning coverage.

History

Historical Context

In June 1993, Kay Bailey Hutchison won a special election, becoming Texas’s first Republican senator since Reconstruction and its first female senator. Her 1994 win secured the first full Republican term, aligning with the Republican Revolution that flipped the Senate. The 2026 race between Attorney General Ken Paxton and Rep. James Talarico mirrors that shift, featuring $68.6 million versus about $9 million in fundraising.

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Paxton vs Talarico

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, the Republican nominee, is contesting the November 2026 U.S. Senate race against Democrat State Rep. James Talarico in Texas.
A Texas Public Opinion Research poll released Aug. 28 gave Talarico a six-point lead over Paxton.
FEC data show Talarico’s campaign raised $68.6 million, while Paxton’s committees raised about $9 million.
U.S. President Donald Trump attended a fundraiser on Aug. 28, with tickets starting at $10,000.

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