By — Bill Barrow, Associated Press Bill Barrow, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/paxton-and-talarico-tussle-for-texas-senate-seat-as-trump-campaigns-virtually Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Paxton and Talarico tussle for Texas Senate seat as Trump campaigns virtually Politics Oct 31, 2026 6:14 PM EDT Texas was not expected to be an epicenter of midterm elections that could reshape the final chapters of Donald Trump's second presidency. But Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico began making closing arguments Saturday in a tossup U.S. Senate race that has become a key measure of voters' frustration with Trump's leadership and his loyalists in the Republican Party. WATCH: Candidates make final midterm stops as early voting surges Talarico hammered Paxton, the longtime state attorney general who has weathered indictment and impeachment and garnered Trump's endorsement, as an especially corrupt example rotten political system. "This election is about whether you want a senator who puts money in your pocket or who puts money in his own," Talarico said in Houston. Paxton, who defeated Republican Sen. John Cornyn in this year's…
Paxton and Talarico tussle for Texas Senate seat as Trump campaigns virtually
In short
Republican Ken Paxton secured his nomination after ousting Senator John Cornyn with Donald Trump's backing, while Democrat James Talarico has spotlighted Paxton's legal controversies and outside spending from Elon Musk. Rather than hosting traditional events, Trump is relying on super PAC tele-rallies targeting several states before heading to Iowa and Kansas. Democrats like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries are simultaneously pushing for congressional majorities to implement legislative priorities and scrutinize officials such as Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth.
Key points
- The Texas Senate race tests the political endurance of Donald Trump's endorsed candidates…: The Texas Senate race tests the political endurance of Donald Trump's endorsed candidates against well-funded opposition.
- Presidential campaign tactics have shifted toward virtual tele-rallies to influence key s…: Presidential campaign tactics have shifted toward virtual tele-rallies to influence key state races ahead of targeted in-person visits.
- House Democrats are aggressively pursuing battleground districts to secure majority contr…: House Democrats are aggressively pursuing battleground districts to secure majority control and launch oversight into administration officials.