All articles tagged with #texas senate race
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico announced a $25 million commitment for Black voter outreach at a Houston town hall, saying it would be the largest such investment in modern Texas history as he faced questions about voting rights, education, and representation while trying to win Black support and boost down-ballot efforts.
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico slammed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton over a lenient plea deal his office offered to Adam Hoffman, a man charged with repeatedly sexually abusing a young boy. The deal required 30 days in jail, a confession, and surrender of Hoffman's law license but avoided sex-offender registration. Talarico demanded Paxton release internal communications about how the deal came together, framing the issue as a potential breach of accountability in the Texas Senate race and tying it to Paxton's ally Nate Paul in the broader political controversy.
After Ken Paxton’s decisive Texas primary victory, Senate Republicans rapidly shift from criticizing him to backing his campaign, with the NRSC scrubbing anti-Paxton content and donors urged to unite for a competitive fall race. Some lawmakers remain cautious given Paxton’s indictments and impeachment, but the party is aiming to protect the Texas seat and capitalize on Trump’s endorsement to shore up support.
President Trump's last‑minute endorsement of Ken Paxton in the Texas Senate primary roiled Republicans, risking higher costs and a tougher path to hold the seat as Paxton heads toward a runoff against Cornyn‑backer James Talarico. Democrats see a potential opening to flip Texas and are ready to spend big, while GOP insiders warn the endorsement could backfire by weakening down‑ballot candidates and accelerating a costly statewide battle. Paxton's long history of controversy and fundraising gaps add to the uncertainty, even as Trump’s loyalty helps Paxton mobilize his base.
Democratic Senate hopeful James Talarico ordering two potato, egg and cheese breakfast tacos with former President Barack Obama in Austin sparked a Texas-sized debate over what counts as a proper breakfast taco, signaling a centrist messaging strategy ahead of the November race.
President Trump is using the Texas GOP primary fight between John Cornyn and Ken Paxton to pressure Senate Republicans to back his top priority, a strict voter-ID bill via the SAVE America Act. Paxton’s hint at dropping out if the filibuster is bypassed has amplified the tactic, prompting Cornyn to shift on Senate-rule changes. Senate leaders say there aren’t enough votes to overcome the filibuster, highlighting intra-party tensions and Trump’s leverage over endorsements and the MAGA base as he seeks to bend the party toward voting-law changes.
James Talarico won the Texas Democratic Senate nomination, boosting Democrats’ bid to flip a red state, while Montana Sen. Steve Daines announced he will not seek re-election, clearing the field for a Trump-backed successor. Trump signaled endorsements in the Texas Cornyn–Paxton runoff and in Montana, where he backed Kurt Alme. The Texas runoff is set for May 26, with Talarico potentially facing the runoff winner in November; Jasmine Crockett conceded the Texas primary and urged unity as Democrats push to retain statewide power. The live updates also flag other runoffs and notable primary developments around the country.
Texas congresswoman Jasmine Crockett spent eight formative years in Texarkana and Bowie County, helping build the local Democratic Party and defend residents as a public defender; now running in a high-profile Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, she argues her East Texas roots and experience with rural and Black voters could boost turnout in a region that has trended Republican, using a bottom-up, tech-enabled campaign and surrogates to energize voters in smaller towns and counties.
Attorney General Ken Paxton releases a 74-page MLK Day opinion arguing that diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives are unconstitutional and uses it to directly attack Sen. John Cornyn in the Texas GOP primary. Legal experts say the opinion is not binding and cannot overturn laws, while critics call it a campaign tactic as Texas continues to bar DEI in state institutions. The piece frames the ruling within a broader Republican effort against DEI and notes potential chilling effects on state agencies and private employers ahead of the primary.
A new poll shows incumbent Senator John Cornyn leading in the Texas GOP Senate primary despite Wesley Hunt's entry, which has affected support for other candidates, and highlights the competitive nature of the race ahead of the primary election.
Rep. Wesley Hunt announced his run for the U.S. Senate in Texas, challenging established candidates in a contentious Republican primary, with support from Trump allies and a focus on appealing to MAGA voters, amidst a backdrop of expensive campaigns and political rivalry.
Republican Rep. Wesley Hunt is challenging incumbent Senator John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton in Texas's 2026 Senate race, positioning himself as an alternative amid intra-party conflicts and significant campaign spending, with Hunt emphasizing his alignment with Trump and support from voters seeking a different candidate.
Democratic U.S. Rep. Colin Allred has raised over $4.1 million for his Texas Senate bid since July, positioning himself for a high-profile primary against state Rep. James Talarico, who has also raised over $6.2 million. The race is part of a broader Texas political contest involving key Republican and Democratic contenders, with the primary shaping the general election against GOP candidates.
James Talarico, a young Texas state representative and aspiring minister, has announced his bid for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate seat in Texas, positioning himself as a critic of Christian nationalism and billionaire influence in politics, and aiming to challenge Republican incumbent John Cornyn amid a changing political landscape in Texas.
Texas State Rep. James Talarico is running for U.S. Senate, joining a competitive Democratic primary in Texas, aiming to challenge incumbent Republican Sen. John Cornyn amid a backdrop of intra-party competition and a focus on fighting for the middle class and progressive values.