Texas had recorded 7,717,024 early ballots, including mail ballots, on the final day before the November 3 general election, according to a tracker that uses Texas Secretary of State figures. The total may change as counties finish reporting. Texas does not register voters by party, so turnout alone does not show who is leading.
Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton faces Democratic state Rep. James Talarico and Libertarian Ted Brown for the U.S. Senate seat held by John Cornyn, who is leaving office. Paxton said he would support President Donald Trump's border enforcement agenda, cut taxes, oppose federal spending growth and defend restrictions on "sex-altering" procedures for minors. Talarico emphasizes living costs and government accountability. His campaign platform also supports federal legislation to restore Roe v. Wade protections, preserve same-sex marriage and defend LGBTQ Americans.
Talarico's statements about Christianity and sex-related policies have drawn scrutiny. In a 2021 Texas House floor speech, he said, "God is nonbinary." He has said the remark was provocative and that human categories cannot fully define God. Critics dispute how he applies his Christian beliefs to abortion and sex-related policies. His attorneys denied he created or used an account linked to an adult dating site, and said the record was tied to a compromised email address.
Other races on the ballot include governor, where Republican Greg Abbott faces Democrat Gina Hinojosa and Libertarian Pat Dixon. Republican Dan Patrick is running for lieutenant governor against Democrat Vikki Goodwin and minor-party challengers. For attorney general, Republican Mayes Middleton faces Democrat Nathan Johnson and Libertarian Tom Oxford. In Dallas County, Democrat Clay Jenkins faces Republican Mike Immler for county judge.