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● InformationalElections / Campaigns

In Texas, Democrats coalesce around a Senate candidate while GOP fight drags on

Paxton advanced to a runoff against Cornyn after neither candidate won a majority.

In Texas, Democrats coalesce around a Senate candidate while GOP fight drags on
Image · The Christian Science Monitor

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Outlet credibilityThe Christian Science Monitor81/100 HIGH
This article1 analysis · Oct 9, 2026
tl;dr

James Talarico won the Texas Democratic Senate nomination over Jasmine Crockett, while Republican Sen. John Cornyn and Ken Paxton advanced to a runoff. The article describes the contests as consequential to control of the Senate and notes disputes over Dallas County polling procedures.

Community verdict

VOTING CLOSED
How does this story look for
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.

● INFORMATIONAL

People in this story

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Ken Paxton
R · TX

Republican Senate candidate advancing to a Texas primary runoff

PRIMARY SUBJECT
John Cornyn
R · TX · SEN

Incumbent Republican senator advancing to a Texas Senate primary runoff

Cornyn's version of this story ↗

Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate in Texas

Talarico's version of this story ↗

Republican House candidate advancing to a runoff against Gonzales

Democratic representative and defeated Texas Senate primary candidate

Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President of the United States, referenced as political context

Republican Senate candidate in North Carolina

Dan Crenshaw
R · TX-2

Republican representative defeated in his primary

Tony Gonzales
Former U.S. Representative (R-TX)

Republican representative advancing to a primary runoff

Wesley Hunt
R · TX-38

Republican representative and third-place finisher in the Texas Senate primary

Roy Cooper
D · NC

Democratic Senate candidate and former North Carolina governor

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

Former Texas representative and past Democratic Senate candidate

Steve Toth
R · TX

Republican state representative and primary challenger who defeated Crenshaw

Colin Z. Allred
Former U.S. Representative (D-TX)

Former U.S. representative and past Democratic Senate candidate

Part of a bigger story

12 OUTLETS
James Talarico Wins Texas Democratic Senate Primary

Outlets agree that James Talarico won the Texas Democratic Senate primary and Ken Paxton advanced to a Republican runoff against John Cornyn. Left-leaning outlets emphasize Republican concern that a Paxton nomination could put the seat at risk. Center outlets mostly present results while also examining broader electoral stakes, including party coalitions and the influence of the MAGA movement.

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