Fort Worth Mayor Undecided in Texas Senate Race
Mayor Mattie Parker remains torn between Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Political Parties
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Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, a Republican, has yet to endorse a candidate in the U.S. Senate race between Ken Paxton and James Talarico. She continues to evaluate both men based on their personal integrity and alignment with her values.
Why it matters
Parker remains undecided as she grapples with disagreements regarding Paxton and confusion over the specific positions held by Talarico. She is looking for a candidate who will serve as a true statesman for the people of Texas.
Barbara Bush contributed $2,500 to a super PAC supporting Democrat James Talarico, while Neil Bush cast an early ballot for the candidate. The state has not elected a Democratic U.S. senator since 1988.
The players
Mattie Parker
She is the Republican Mayor of Fort Worth who is currently navigating candidate choices for the upcoming Senate election.
Ken Paxton
He is a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate who defeated John Cornyn in the primary election.
James Talarico
He is the Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate attracting attention from high-profile donors.
Barbara Bush
She is a prominent donor who contributed to a super PAC supporting the candidacy of James Talarico.
Neil Bush
He is a voter who participated in early voting for the Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico.
The details
Parker has signaled support for other candidates, including Republican Tarrant County Judge Tim O'Hare and various Democrats running for attorney general and Railroad Commission. She is weighing her decision against her own Republican affiliation and the primary results that saw Ken Paxton defeat John Cornyn.
Timeline
Texas last elected a Democratic U.S. senator in 1988.
Election Day for the U.S. Senate race is November 3, 2026.
Mayor Mattie Parker may face a potential reelection bid in 2027.
Political Context
The 1988 U.S. Senate election in Texas serves as the last benchmark for Democratic success in a statewide contest. This race marks a departure from the historical pattern of Republican dominance established since that cycle.
Texans will head to the polls on November 3 to decide the outcome of the Senate race, which will influence federal representation for the next term. Voters in Tarrant County and across the state should prepare for the election by reviewing candidate platforms.
The takeaway
Voters should focus on candidate integrity and specific policy positions rather than relying solely on party endorsements or legacy voting patterns. Researching the candidates' actual platforms will provide the best clarity for making an informed choice at the ballot box.
Further reading
For more on party strategies in the state, visit the Political Parties section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Dallas Morning News.
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