James Talarico Leads Ken Paxton With Every Pollster For First Time - Newsweek

Texas Democrat James Talarico holds a narrow lead over Republican Ken Paxton with every pollster for the first time ahead of the Senate election in November.

Talarico is now leading Paxton in polls conducted by eight different pollsters. The most recent poll, conducted by Emerson College between September 12-14, shows Talarico with a one percentage point lead on 47 percent to Paxton's 46 percent.

Emerson College's previous poll, conducted between August 9-10, was the last time that Paxton held the lead in any poll, on 47 percent to Talarico's 46 percent.

Spencer Kimball, the executive director of Emerson College Polling, said about the latest poll: "Texas Hispanic voters, who broke for Trump in 2024, now break for Talarico by 15 points, 54 percent to 39 percent. These voters disapprove of the president 53 percent to 41 percent, and 51 percent think the state is on the wrong track rather than the right direction."

While Texas has long functioned as a Republican stronghold in federal races, shifting demographic and political dynamics have rendered recent cycles increasingly competitive.

President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind Paxton, calling him the "greatest attorney general in America." He has also repeatedly criticized Talarico, calling him "Talafreako" on social media and in speeches.

This is a developing story. More to follow.