Texas Senate race pits Republican Ken Paxton against Democrat James Talarico in pivotal midterm contest

Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton and Democrat state legislator James Talarico are competing for the open U.S. Senate seat from Texas in the 2026 midterm elections. Both candidates say the outcome will affect national politics, with the winner likely determining which party holds a Senate majority for the rest of President Donald Trump’s term.

Paxton, who has emphasized low taxes, stricter immigration enforcement and alignment with President Trump’s agenda, told a rally in Allen that the race is “the America our founders gave us versus something they would never recognize.” Talarico, a former teacher and Presbyterian seminarian, highlighted protecting health-care funding, imposing congressional term limits and shifting tax burdens from middle-class families to corporations.

The campaign has attracted intense rhetoric. Paxton described Talarico as a “dangerous, leftist radical,” while Talarico called Paxton “the most corrupt politician in Texas.” Both sides have used personal attacks and accusations of corruption.

Paxton faces a grand-jury indictment for securities fraud and an impeachment vote in the Texas House over alleged abuse of office, though the fraud charge was later dropped and the Senate did not convict. Talarico has denied claims circulated in ads funded by Elon Musk’s political action committees that he supports “taxpayer-funded sex-change surgeries on kids” or would imprison parents who oppose gender transition for their children.

Musk’s committees have contributed more than $210 million to the Paxton campaign, making the race the most expensive non-presidential contest in U.S. history, with total advertising spending exceeding $500 million.

Early voting data show a slight edge for voters who previously participated in Democratic primaries, and some Hispanic voters who supported President Trump in 2024 appear to be shifting toward Democrats. Voters cited concerns about immigration enforcement and rising fuel costs as key issues.

Both campaigns have mobilized religious and community groups. Paxton’s supporters include a network of pastors who say his policies align with Christian values, while Talarico’s campaign has highlighted Musk’s financial involvement as evidence of outside influence.

President Donald Trump has visited Texas multiple times since October, urging supporters to back Paxton and warning that a Democratic Senate could lead to “communist” policies.

The race remains closely watched as it could shape the balance of power in Congress for the next two years.