Talarico widens lead over Paxton by 5 points in new Texas Senate poll, with 45% support among likely voters
James TalaricoTalaricoKen PaxtonGreg AbbottGina HinojosaTexas Public Opinion Research

Talarico widens lead over Paxton by 5 points in new Texas Senate poll, with 45% support among likely voters

Democrat James Talarico has widened his lead over Republican Ken Paxton in the Texas Senate race, garnering 45% support among likely voters compared to Paxton's 40%, according to a recent poll. This marks Talarico's largest lead in any public poll during the election period.

Gina Hinojosa for Texas Governor+5 sources28 July 2026 · 19:14 UTC
CuriousCats Full Story

Democrat James Talarico has opened a 5-point lead over Republican Ken Paxton in the Texas Senate race, according to a Texas Public Opinion Research poll conducted from July 15-17. Talarico received 45% support among likely voters, while Paxton garnered 40%.

The poll indicates Talarico's strength among moderates and independents, with 43% of independents favoring him compared to 23% for Paxton. Additionally, Talarico leads significantly among Black voters (71% to 8%) and Latino voters (66% to 20%).

Talarico's favorability rating stands at 43% favorable versus 31% unfavorable, while Paxton's is 33% favorable versus 46% unfavorable. The poll also revealed that 14% of voters remain undecided, with 19% leaning toward Paxton and 10% toward Talarico.

The survey, which included 1,048 likely voters, has a margin of error of ±3.4%. Talarico's lead reflects a growing discontent with Paxton, who has struggled to connect with voters on economic issues, as Talarico is perceived to better understand their challenges.

Early voting begins on October 19, with Election Day set for November 3.

Key Insight
“The Texas Public Opinion Research poll shows Talarico's support is bolstered by strong backing from Black and Latino voters, with 71% and 66% respectively. Additionally, Talarico leads among independents, capturing 43% compared to Paxton's 23%, indicating a significant shift in voter sentiment ahead of the November election.”
CuriousCats studied:
1
Gina Hinojosa for Texas Governor
“A from Texas Public Opinion Research shows the governor’s race between Gina Hinojosa and Greg Abbott within just 3 points at 42% to 45%, inside the margin for error.”
Gina Hinojosa for Texas Governor →
2
El Paso TimesEl Paso Times
“A new poll shows Democrat James Talarico widening his lead in the U.S. Senate race in Texas.”
El Paso Times →
3
The Texas Tribune
“Talarico leads Paxton by 5 points in new Texas Senate poll”
The Texas Tribune →
4
USA TodayUSA Today
“a new poll shows the Democratic candidate has opened a 5-point lead over the Republican candidate.”
USA Today →
5
The HillThe Hill
“Texas state Rep. James Talarico, the Democratic Senate nominee in Texas, has widened his lead over his Republican opponent, Texas Attorney General in a new poll.”
The Hill →
6
FOX 7 AustinFOX 7 Austin
“Democrat James Talarico has opened up a lead over Republican Ken Paxton in the U.S. Senate race in Texas, according to a new poll.”
FOX 7 Austin →
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