Texas, a state long considered deeply Republican, is emerging as a key battleground ahead of November's Midterm elections. The Senate race has taken an unexpected turn, with a Democrat currently polling ahead in a state Trump won by 14 points in 2024.
Primary Challenge and Trump's Last-Minute Endorsement
Four-term Republican Senator John Cornyn faced a primary challenge from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Cornyn, an establishment Republican, highlighted his support for Trump's agenda during the campaign. However, Trump remembered Cornyn's past misgivings about his 2016 and 2024 candidacies. Days before the primary, Trump endorsed Paxton, a more straightforward MAGA figure.
Paxton won the primary runoff decisively, despite a controversial history. This includes failure to disclose investments, accusations of securities fraud, and a 2023 impeachment trial following a lawsuit over discredited election fraud claims in 2020. Paxton was also caught on CCTV taking a $1,000 Montblanc pen left behind by another lawyer at a courthouse security checkpoint.
Democrat James Talarico Leads in Polls
Democrat James Talarico, a former teacher and current Texas House member, used the pen theft in a campaign ad. Talarico, who is studying for a Masters in Divinity, currently polls 5-11 points ahead of Paxton.
This race tests whether Trump's influence, undeniable in primaries, extends to general elections in traditionally red states. If Texas flips, it will be the story of election night.
