Talarico Leads Paxton in Texas Senate Race

Live general election results show Democrats leading several statewide and local contests in Texas, Hays County, and San Marcos on November 3, 2026.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Elections

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a simplified dome silhouette in deep red above a horizon line on a cream field. — Preliminary results show Democrat James Talarico leading Republican Ken Paxton 66.59% to 31.83% in the Texas U.S. Senate race, with results unofficial until certified. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Preliminary results from the 2026 general election show James Talarico holding 66.59% of the vote against Ken Paxton's 31.83% in the U.S. Senate race, while Gina Hinojosa leads Greg Abbott 64.47% to 34.29% in the governor's race. Results are complete but unofficial.

Why it matters

The margins reported across statewide, congressional, legislative and municipal races offer an early picture of voter preferences across Texas, Hays County and San Marcos. Final certified totals will determine official outcomes.

Unofficial returns show Talarico at 66.59% against Paxton's 31.83% in the Senate race and Carrie Isaac at 52.40% against Merrie Fox's 47.60% in State Representative District 73. Official certification has not yet occurred, so final totals may differ.

The players

James Talarico

James Talarico is a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Texas who led in the unofficial returns.

Ken Paxton

Ken Paxton is the Republican attorney general of Texas who trailed Talarico in the unofficial Senate returns.

Gina Hinojosa

Gina Hinojosa is a Democratic candidate for Texas governor who led Greg Abbott in unofficial returns.

Greg Abbott

Greg Abbott is the Republican governor of Texas who trailed Hinojosa in unofficial returns.

The details

Results were published and updated live at 7:34pm on November 4, 2026, covering statewide races, U.S. House districts 21 and 27, state legislative districts 21, 45 and 73, and the San Marcos mayoral race. Amanda Rodriguez led Ryan Thomason 73.33% to 26.67% in the San Marcos mayoral contest.

• November 3, 2026: General election held in Texas.
• November 4, 2026, 7:34pm: Live unofficial results published and updated.

Seasonal Patterns

Comparing these 2026 unofficial margins to the 2018 Cruz-O'Rourke Senate contest in Texas offers a benchmark for how statewide competitiveness has moved over recent midterm cycles. Certified results will be needed before any trend claim can be confirmed.

Texas voters can track certified results once county canvasses are complete, which determines final officeholders in these races. Until certification, the reported percentages remain preliminary and may change.