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◆ Mixed look for PaxtonElections / Campaigns

Texas U.S. Senate race heats up after Paxton secures GOP nomination

Paxton’s campaign released an attack ad against Democratic nominee James Talarico as the general-election contest began.

Texas U.S. Senate race heats up after Paxton secures GOP nomination
Image · FOX 7 Austin

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This article1 analysis · Oct 6, 2026
May 27, 2026
tl;dr

After Ken Paxton secured the Republican nomination for Texas’s U.S. Senate race, his campaign released an attack ad against Democrat James Talarico, who responded with accusations against Paxton. The article describes party concerns and the role Gov. Greg Abbott may play in the general election.

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Ken Paxton R · TX
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Ken Paxton
R · TX

Republican Senate nominee whose campaign released an attack ad against James Talarico

PRIMARY SUBJECT

Democratic Senate nominee who responded to Paxton’s campaign with public accusations

Talarico's version of this story ↗
Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President who dismissed concerns about Paxton’s nomination and Republican control of the Senate

Texas representative whose district is mentioned as a potential down-ballot vulnerability

Democratic House candidate mentioned in an example of a possible split-ticket outcome

Chip Roy
R · TX-21

Texas representative mentioned as remaining in office for seven more months

John Cornyn
R · TX · SEN

Texas senator who said he would support the Republican ticket

ALSO MENTIONED  Gina Hinojosa, Democratic candidate for governor mentioned in an analyst’s election forecast; Greg Abbott, Texas governor urging Republican unity and expected to campaign for the party

Part of a bigger story

11 OUTLETS
Ken Paxton Releases Ad Targeting James Talarico’s Masculinity

Ken Paxton’s campaign released a general-election ad attacking James Talarico, using masculinity-focused rhetoric. Left-leaning outlets frame the ad as part of a Republican strategy centered on masculinity and examine its cultural implications. Center outlets place the ad amid the wider Senate campaign, including Talarico’s focus on Paxton’s scandals and the candidates’ competing messages. Right-leaning outlets emphasize attacks on Talarico’s past remarks and his perceived fit with Texas voters, with some portraying the ad as effective.

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