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In Texas, Talarico’s Strength in Senate Polls Inspires a Democratic Dream

A recent poll places Talarico ahead of Ken Paxton as Democrats weigh their chances in Texas.

In Texas, Talarico’s Strength in Senate Polls Inspires a Democratic Dream
Image · The New York Times

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Outlet credibilityThe New York Times94/100 HIGH
This article1 analysis · Oct 3, 2026
tl;dr

A New York Times/Siena poll puts James Talarico six points ahead of Ken Paxton in Texas’s U.S. Senate race, prompting renewed Democratic hopes while the article details reasons the state may remain difficult for Democrats to win.

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VOTING CLOSED
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NOT RATEDCLOSED

No good or bad look here

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

● INFORMATIONAL

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Democratic candidate in the Texas U.S. Senate race

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Ken Paxton
R · TX

Republican candidate in the Texas U.S. Senate race

Paxton's version of this story ↗

Former Texas state senator and political consultant

Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President; his popularity and past endorsement are discussed as factors in Texas races

Ted Cruz
R · TX · SEN

U.S. senator from Texas, mentioned in O’Rourke’s past Senate campaign

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

Former Texas congressional candidate and Democratic political figure

John Cornyn
R · TX · SEN

U.S. senator from Texas who lost the Republican primary to Paxton

ALSO MENTIONED  Greg Abbott, Republican governor of Texas seeking re-election; Gina Hinojosa, Democratic candidate for Texas governor; Bill Clinton, Former president; George W. Bush, Former Texas governor and former president; Leigh Wambsganss, Republican candidate in the Texas Senate special election; Lloyd Bentsen, Former U.S. senator from Texas and former cabinet member; Rick Perry, Former Texas governor; Taylor Rehmet, Democratic Texas state senator; Thaddeus Cleveland, Republican sheriff of Terrell County; Tim O’Hare, Tarrant County judge; Alisa Simmons, Democratic Tarrant County commissioner and candidate for county judge; Tony Sanchez Jr., Former Democratic candidate for Texas governor; Ann Richards, Former Texas governor

Part of a bigger story

3 OUTLETS
Polls Show Democratic Senate Candidates Leading in Texas and Alaska

The articles report James Talarico ahead of Ken Paxton in Texas polling and Democratic Senate candidates leading in Alaska. They also describe other close Senate races around the country. Center outlets present the results as a possible Democratic opening, while noting poll caveats and obstacles for Democrats in Texas. Right-leaning outlets connect the leads to the stakes for Senate control and a wider contest.

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