Paxton and Talarico to Vie for Texas Senate Seat
A new Fox News poll shows the candidates tied at 49% as Texas voters head to the polls.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Elections
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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and state Representative James Talarico are locked in a dead heat for a U.S. Senate seat ahead of the November 3 election. A new Fox News poll indicates both candidates are supported by 49% of likely voters.
Why it matters
The race remains highly competitive as both candidates fight to secure support in a key contest. Voter turnout is expected to reach historic levels across Texas as the state moves toward the final days of early voting.
The Fox News poll surveyed 1,398 likely voters with a margin of error of plus or minus 2.5 percentage points. Dallas County reported 76,079 voters participating in the first day of early voting on October 19.
The players
Ken Paxton
Ken Paxton is the Attorney General of Texas who is currently campaigning for a U.S. Senate seat.
James Talarico
James Talarico is a state Representative in Texas who is running against Ken Paxton for a U.S. Senate seat.
Chris Putnam
Chris Putnam is an analyst who expects historic voter turnout across the state of Texas.
The details
Registered voters in Texas are eligible to cast ballots at any designated early voting location within their registration county. Early voting continues through October 30, with polling hours subject to change by location.
Timeline
September: A prior Fox News poll showed Talarico at 51% and Paxton at 49%.
October 15-19: Researchers conducted the recent Fox News survey.
October 19: Dallas County recorded 76,079 first-day early voters.
October 21: Fox News released the poll showing a 49%-49% tie.
October 30: The early voting period ends in Texas.
Political Context
The 2026 Texas U.S. Senate election serves as a critical benchmark for gauging voter turnout and partisan shifts in the state. Opposing interests continue to challenge the candidates on policy platforms and record as the election approaches.
Eligible voters in Texas can cast ballots at any early voting location in their registered county through October 30. Residents should check local polling hours as these vary by site.
The takeaway
Voters should be prepared for high traffic at polling locations as early voting enters its final days. Checking registration status and polling hours in advance can help ensure a smooth voting experience.
What happens next
Early voting continues through October 30, and Election Day is scheduled for November 3.
Further reading
For more information on upcoming races, visit the Texas Elections section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Dallas Express.
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