James Talarico and Ken Paxton Deadlocked in Texas Senate Race

Democratic state representative James Talarico and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton are locked in a statistical tie for a U.S. Senate seat, according to a Hill/Emerson College Polling survey released September 17. The poll shows Talarico with 47 percent support and Paxton with 46 percent, following other surveys that have placed Talarico slightly ahead or tied since June.

The campaign has grown increasingly contentious. On September 14, Paxton criticized Talarico on X, calling him "too weird and too radical for Texas" after Talarico identified Alyssa Edwards as his favorite drag queen. Talarico has responded by focusing on economic struggles and criticizing the influence of billionaires and "big money" in politics.

On September 17, Talarico held a campaign rally in Waco, where he attacked Paxton for accepting funds from AIPAC and emphasized his own grassroots support. While the venue offered equal access to both candidates, the Paxton campaign declined the invitation citing scheduling conflicts.

These developments occur as Texas voters identify the economy as their primary concern. In a separate statewide race, incumbent Governor Greg Abbott maintains a narrow lead over Democratic challenger Gina Hinojosa, 49 percent to 46 percent.