Polls show Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico within the margin of error in the U.S. Senate race in Texas as voters head to the polls. Paxton is a three-term state attorney general, and Talarico is an Austin state legislator. In the final weeks, both candidates have traveled across the state to rally supporters and win over undecided voters.
The Texas Tribune said it has reported on voting groups both candidates are courting, including some Cornyn supporters who have not decided, rural voters concerned about data centers, Latino voters along the border and suburban voters in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. In South Texas, Donald Trump carried Cameron, Hidalgo and Webb counties in 2024, and polling suggests the region may shift back toward Democrats.
Early voting in Hidalgo, Starr and Webb counties was higher than in 2024, according to the report. Republican data analyst Derek Ryan said Hispanic voters made up 19% of the statewide early electorate, up from 16% in 2022 and 17% in 2024. Results are expected to come in Tuesday.