Talarico Leads Paxton by 3 Points in First Texas Senate Poll
Democratic state Rep. James Talarico holds a narrow 47% to 44% lead over Republican Ken Paxton in the first general-election survey after the GOP runoff. The poll of 1,670 likely voters was conducted May 27-28 with a margin of error of plus or minus 2.8 points.
Usa TodayDemocratic state Rep. The survey of 1,670 likely voters showed the result falls inside the poll's margin of error of plus or minus 2.8 percentage points. Talarico drew 72% support among moderates and 64% among independents.
" The Democrat's new theme, "THE PEOPLE vs. KEN PAXTON," marks a change from his primary campaign. Paxton's campaign did not respond to the rally remarks. He was impeached by the Texas House in 2023 and acquitted by the Texas Senate the same year. Among voters who backed former Sen.
John Cornyn in the Republican runoff, 30% said they would support Talarico in November while 44% said they would back Paxton.
Affordability and the cost of living ranked as the top concern for 23% of respondents, more than double any other issue listed. Talarico is viewed favorably by 47% of Texans, while 38% view Paxton favorably. Campaign aides said Talarico raised $600,000 in small online donations in the two hours after Paxton's runoff victory Tuesday.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
3 events- May 27, 2026
Talarico opened general-election campaign at Houston rally.
2 sourcesUSA Today · ABC News - May 27-28, 2026
Texas Public Opinion Research polled 1,670 likely voters.
1 sourceUSA Today - May 26, 2026
Paxton defeated Cornyn in Republican Senate runoff.
2 sourcesUSA Today · ABC News
Potential Impact
- 01
Both campaigns will focus on consolidating party support ahead of November.
- 02
Talarico will continue to highlight Paxton's legal record in coming weeks.
Transparency
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