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● InformationalElections / Campaigns

James Talarico Pulls Ahead of Ken Paxton for First Time in New Texas Poll

The poll places Paxton behind Talarico and reports both Paxton’s voter-group strengths and concerns voters expressed about him.

James Talarico Pulls Ahead of Ken Paxton for First Time in New Texas Poll
Image · Newsweek

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Outlet credibilityNewsweek75/100 HIGH
This article1 analysis · Oct 1, 2026
Newsweek
Aug 8, 2026
tl;dr

A Texas Pulse poll puts James Talarico ahead of Ken Paxton, 47% to 43%, the first time Talarico has led in that poll series. The survey’s margin of error is 4.7 points, and other recent polls also show a close race.

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VOTING CLOSED
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Ken Paxton R · TX
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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 in Texas

PRIMARY SUBJECT

Democratic Senate candidate in Texas

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

President of the United States

Bernie Sanders
I · VT · SEN

U.S. senator from Vermont

John Cornyn
R · TX · SEN

U.S. senator from Texas

Angus S. King, Jr.
I · ME · SEN

U.S. senator from Maine

Part of a bigger story

4 OUTLETS
Poll Shows James Talarico Leading Ken Paxton in Texas Senate Race

Recent polls show James Talarico narrowly ahead of Ken Paxton in the Texas Senate race, with coverage describing a close contest. Center outlets focus on the polling numbers and the uncertainty around the narrow gap. Right-leaning outlets pair poll results with Paxton dismissing the lead, promoting campaign proposals and appealing for support, though one report focuses mainly on polling.

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