Democratic state representative James Talarico challenges Republican incumbent Ken Paxton in Texas Senate race
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James Talarico, a Texas state representative, is seeking to become the first Democrat elected to the U.S. Senate from Texas since 1988, facing Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton amid a tightly contested campaign.
James Talarico, a 37-year-old former teacher and state representative, is running for the U.S. Senate seat from Texas, aiming to break a Democratic drought that has lasted since 1988. The race pits him against Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is dealing with multiple legal and ethical controversies and has the backing of several high-profile donors.
Polls released in the weeks before the election show Talarico holding a narrow lead. He has emphasized a platform that blends economic populism, progressive policies and a Christian-based message, positioning himself as a moderate alternative to the Republican candidate.
"They are terrified because they see what we see: we are about to win this election," Talarico told a crowd at the University of Texas at Austin, referring to Republican donors.
Talarico’s campaign raised $64 million in the third quarter, largely from small-donor contributions. His background includes two years teaching sixth-grade language arts in a high-poverty San Antonio school, work with an education nonprofit, and service in the state house where he focused on public-school finance, prescription-drug pricing and property-tax relief.
During his legislative tenure, Talarico opposed Republican initiatives on voting restrictions, school vouchers and LGBTQ+ rights, and he has been described by colleagues as a persuasive orator. He also earned a master’s degree in theological studies from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, which he says informs his approach to public policy.
Ken Paxton, who was impeached by the Texas House in 2023 but later acquitted by the Senate, continues to face legal challenges and personal scandals. The campaign has seen significant spending from Republican Super PACs, including a $158 million contribution from tech billionaire Elon Musk that was directed to anti-Talarico advertising focusing on cultural-war issues.
Political analysts note that the race could signal a shift in Texas politics if Talarico wins, potentially influencing the balance of power in the U.S. Senate and altering the state’s long-standing Republican dominance.