Texas Senate Poll: Talarico-Paxton Dead Heat as Abbott Maintains Governor Lead

A September Emerson College/Nexstar poll in Texas shows Democrat James Talarico and Republican Ken Paxton in a 47%–46% Senate race, with 4% undecided and 2% Libertarian. In the governor’s race, Greg Abbott leads Gina Hinojosa 49% to 46% with 4% undecided. Hispanic voters tilt toward Talarico 54–39, and the economy is voters’ top issue at 36%. The poll surveyed 1,000 likely voters Sept. 12–14, 2026 (MOE about ±3%), and was sponsored by Nexstar Media.}