Story perspectives

Talarico Leads Paxton 47%-46% in Texas Poll

By Drooid · Sep 24, 2026, 6:20 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

James Talarico leads Ken Paxton in recent statewide polls, according to a Barbara Jordan Center poll.
The poll shows Talarico at 47% and Paxton at 46% among likely voters.
Talarico holds a 76% to 18% advantage among voters under 35.
Talarico announced a $25 million investment to target Black voters, backed by the Congressional Black Caucus arm.
Talarico’s campaign has $21.5 million cash on hand versus Paxton’s $1.8 million.

History

Historical Context

Barack Obama’s 2008 victory, marked by a record 131 million ballots cast, mobilized young and Black voters and flipped Southern states such as Virginia and North Carolina for the first time in decades. That campaign’s data-driven outreach and internet fundraising reshaped Democratic strategy, providing a template for Texas Democrat James Talarico’s challenge to incumbent Ken Paxton.

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Story summary

James Talarico leads Ken Paxton in recent statewide polls, according to a Barbara Jordan Center poll.
The poll shows Talarico at 47% and Paxton at 46% among likely voters.
Talarico holds a 76% to 18% advantage among voters under 35.
Talarico announced a $25 million investment to target Black voters, backed by the Congressional Black Caucus arm.
Talarico’s campaign has $21.5 million cash on hand versus Paxton’s $1.8 million.

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