Talarico Holds Narrow Lead in Texas Senate Race

A recent statewide poll found Democrat James Talarico narrowly ahead of Republican Ken Paxton in the Texas U.S. Senate race, within the margin of error; a University of Houston poll found Talarico and fellow Democrat Gina Hinojosa leading among Latino voters, while Paxton and Gov. Greg Abbott had larger advantages among rural voters. The candidates are campaigning on contrasting positions on the economy, education, abortion, religion and social policy: Talarico opposes school vouchers and book restrictions, while Paxton has defended the voucher program and related state policies. Paxton has portrayed Talarico as radical and a threat to Texas, while Talarico argues wealthy donors are tilting the contest toward Paxton and highlights cost-of-living pressures. Houston-area faith leaders have formed rival coalitions backing the candidates, and attorney Thomas J. Henry endorsed Talarico after previously donating to a Paxton-supporting super PAC. The candidates have traded debate challenges, with Paxton objecting to CNN’s involvement and Talarico proposing Fox News or TMZ as host. Talarico reported substantially more third-quarter campaign fundraising, while Paxton benefits from major outside spending.