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Cruz: Talarico has ‘real chance’ to beat Paxton in Senate race

Cruz said James Talarico has a real chance to beat Ken Paxton as recent polling shows a 1- or 2-point race, Republicans said.

  • On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz warned that Democratic state Rep. James Talarico has a "real chance" to flip Texas's Senate seat, citing polling showing a 1- or 2-point race against Attorney General Ken Paxton.
  • The GOP is attempting to paint the Austin Democrat as "radical" and "extreme," attacking him for past statements on biology and his "Tofu Talarico" nickname related to his meat-free campaign stance.
  • Cruz expressed concern that Talarico's affable demeanor could attract inattentive voters, a worry underscored by survey data showing the race is tighter than Beto O'Rourke's 2018 performance against Cruz.
  • National Republican Senatorial Committee Chair Tim Scott amplified party concerns by likening Talarico's values to "amorality," amid a national environment where President Donald Trump's approval rating sits just under 40%.
  • Despite the warnings, Governor Greg Abbott predicted Talarico will be beatable once voters learn more about his platform, though the contest remains a significant test for Republican dominance in Texas.
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  • 50% of the sources lean Left
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The Texas Tribune broke the news in Austin, United States on Thursday, July 9, 2026.
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