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● InformationalElections / Campaigns

A competitive Texas Senate race looms over Tuesday's primaries

Paxton says he can mobilize voters who are less likely to vote when Trump is not on the ballot.

A competitive Texas Senate race looms over Tuesday's primaries
Image · NBC News

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This article1 analysis · Oct 10, 2026
NBC News
Mar 2, 2026
tl;dr

Ahead of Tuesday’s primaries, Texas Senate candidates are making the case that they can win in November, as Democrats weigh competing campaign strategies and Republicans debate electability. The outcome could affect the parties’ fight for control of the Senate.

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Ken Paxton R · TX
NOT RATEDCLOSED

No good or bad look here

This story reports what happened without casting Paxton in a good or bad light, so readers don’t rate it and it doesn’t count toward Paxton’s record.

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Ken Paxton
R · TX

Republican Senate candidate arguing he can motivate low-turnout Trump supporters

PRIMARY SUBJECT
John Cornyn
R · TX · SEN

Republican senator and candidate arguing that Paxton could put the party’s Senate majority at risk

Cornyn's version of this story ↗

Democratic Senate candidate campaigning on cross-party appeal

Talarico's version of this story ↗

Democratic Senate candidate arguing she can mobilize disillusioned voters

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

President mentioned in connection with the Texas race and Republican candidates

Wesley Hunt
R · TX-38

Republican Senate candidate presenting himself as a younger conservative option

Ted Cruz
R · TX · SEN

Texas senator cited as the opponent in O’Rourke’s 2018 Senate race

Beto O'Rourke
Former U.S. Representative (D-TX)

Former Democratic Senate candidate cited as context for the competitiveness of a past Texas race

ALSO MENTIONED  Jamarr Brown, Former executive director of the Texas Democratic Party commenting on the Democratic race

Part of a bigger story

12 OUTLETS
Ken Paxton Challenges John Cornyn in Texas Senate Primary

The Texas Republican Senate primary featured Ken Paxton, John Cornyn and Wesley Hunt; accounts described Paxton as narrowly ahead in polls, with a runoff possible. Left-leaning outlets emphasize how a Paxton nomination could make the general-election race more competitive for Democrats. Center outlets mostly present the contest as a close Republican primary, stressing candidate appeal, party divisions and possible consequences for November.

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