James Talarico Leads Texas Race

James Talarico is leading Ken Paxton in multiple recent Texas Senate polls, including a Texas Public Opinion Research survey showing Talarico ahead 49% to 44%. Talarico, a Democratic state representative and former teacher, is trying to unseat the Republican attorney general in a race Democrats hope could flip a long-held GOP seat. His campaign is raising his profile through outside help and media moments, including a Bill Nye video and a Glenn Rogers endorsement ad. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is starting Texas Forever, a Democratic PAC to help him. Talarico has challenged Paxton to a Fox News debate. The next test is whether Paxton engages directly.