Texas Candidates to Court Black Voters for November Midterms

As the November 3, 2026 midterm elections approach, candidates are focusing on engaging Black voters across Texas.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Elections

Texas Candidates to Court Black Voters for November Midterms

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Democratic candidate James Talarico and Republican candidate Ken Paxton are actively campaigning for support from the 2.7 million eligible Black voters in Texas. Both campaigns are targeting the state's Black electorate ahead of the November 3, 2026 midterms.

Why it matters

Black Texans represent a pivotal demographic that analysts expect will influence the final outcomes of statewide midterm races. The state has not seen a Democrat win a statewide race since 1994, making voter engagement in this community a central focus for both parties.

A University of the South of Texas survey of 500 Black voters found that 71% view James Talarico favorably, while 11% view Ken Paxton favorably. These figures are contrasted by the 77% of respondents who stated they feel taken for granted by the Democratic Party.

The players

James Talarico

James Talarico is a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate who is actively campaigning for support among Texas voters.

Ken Paxton

Ken Paxton is a Republican candidate currently campaigning for Black voter support in the Texas midterm elections.

The details

Candidates are visiting influential locations like the Wheeler Baptist Church in Houston to address community concerns, including healthcare access. With the state's uninsured rate reported at over 16% in 2022 and no expansion of Medicaid, voter frustration regarding government services remains a key hurdle for both campaigns.

1994 marks the last time a Democrat won a statewide race in Texas.
July 27 to August 2, 2026, was the period of the University of the South of Texas survey.
November 3, 2026, is the scheduled date for the U.S. midterm elections.

Political Context

Opponents of Democratic outreach frequently argue that current economic and social policies in Texas are sufficient without federal expansion programs. They maintain that the focus should remain on traditional conservative economic priorities rather than the specific issues raised by campaigns targeting marginalized communities.

Voters should be aware that the lack of Medicaid expansion in Texas directly impacts the affordability of healthcare for thousands of low-income families. As midterms approach, residents will see increased campaign activity as candidates attempt to address these economic and social concerns.

The takeaway

The engagement strategies used by candidates like Talarico and Paxton underscore how critical Black voter turnout is for state-level political shifts. Voters should track how candidates address the high uninsured rates and economic challenges that persist in areas like Houston's Third Ward.