Story perspectives

Poll Shows James Talarico Leading Ken Paxton 51%–45%

By Drooid · Oct 8, 2026, 7:08 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump addressed Texas GOP Senate nominee Ken Paxton’s rally in San Antonio while protesters interrupted him.
Police removed several demonstrators during the rally.
Trump claimed the demonstrators were paid by enemies of the nation, ordering them to leave.
A New York Times/Siena College poll shows Democrat James Talarico leading Paxton 51% to 45% among likely voters.

History

Historical Context

The Republican National Convention held August 21-23 1972 in Miami Beach nominated President Richard Nixon for a historic third Republican presidential nomination, the first three-day GOP convention since 1944. Nixon secured 1,347 delegate votes. In 2024 Donald Trump’s accusation that rally protesters were paid by “the nation’s enemies” revived the same partisan charge Nixon used, highlighting a persistent rhetorical pattern.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump addressed Texas GOP Senate nominee Ken Paxton’s rally in San Antonio while protesters interrupted him.
Police removed several demonstrators during the rally.
Trump claimed the demonstrators were paid by enemies of the nation, ordering them to leave.
A New York Times/Siena College poll shows Democrat James Talarico leading Paxton 51% to 45% among likely voters.

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