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Chamber of Commerce Backs Ken Paxton in 2026 Texas Senate Contest
By Drooid · · How we work
Chamber Endorsement of Ken Paxton
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce announced its endorsement of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton over Democrat James Talarico in the state’s pivotal 2026 Senate race. Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer Neil Bradley said the Chamber views Paxton as a “defender of free enterprise” who has resisted federal overreach, preserved a low-tax environment, and protected the energy sector from what the Chamber calls burdensome mandates. Bradley added that the Chamber expects to collaborate with Paxton on legal reforms aimed at shielding “job creators” from lawsuit abuse and regulatory red tape.
Political Landscape of the 2026 Texas Senate Race
Paxton, a Trump-endorsed candidate, defeated incumbent Sen. John Cornyn in a Republican primary runoff earlier in the cycle but has since faced a tightening race against Talarico amid broader GOP dissatisfaction in Texas. The Cook Political Report shifted its rating from Republican-leaning to a “toss-up,” while Decision Desk HQ classified the contest as a coin flip that narrowly favors Democrats, assigning Talarico a 54 percent probability of flipping the seat.
Chamber’s Rationale and Historical Stance
The endorsement aligns with the Chamber’s long-standing advocacy for pro-growth policies. The organization, active for more than a century, previously opposed President Trump’s expansive tariff regime, filing an amicus brief in a Supreme Court case that argued the tariffs exceeded statutory authority.
Official Reactions and Opposition
Talarico has criticized Paxton’s record as Texas’s top prosecutor, highlighting Paxton’s 2023 impeachment by the state House and subsequent acquittal by the Senate. Audio released by The New York Times captured Paxton suggesting his appearance at the GOP’s midterm convention “dropped our numbers,” a remark that Talarico’s campaign has used to question Paxton’s electoral strategy.
Outlook and Projections
With the Chamber’s endorsement emphasizing legal reform and economic stability, the race remains highly competitive. Analysts note that the combined effect of the Chamber’s support and the shifting political ratings could influence undecided voters, though the ultimate outcome will depend on how each campaign addresses the state’s broader concerns about governance and economic policy.