From The Texas Tribune · Gabby Birenbaum, María Méndez, Kayla Guo · · 3m
Texas Senate 2026 Race: Paxton, Talarico, Brown
Texas Senate candidates face tight race with Paxton leading on fundraising but Talarico polling ahead in key issues.
In brief
Texas Senate candidates face tight race with Paxton leading on fundraising but Talarico polling ahead in key issues. Texas Republicans and Democrats compete for U.S. Senate seat with Paxton, Talarico and Brown running against each other in 2026 election. Originally reported by The Texas Tribune.
Texas Senate 2026 Race
Republican Ken Paxton, Democrat James Talarico, and Libertarian Ted Brown compete for Texas' U.S. Senate seat in 2026 election.
Polling Shows Tight Race
Polls put Paxton and Talarico neck to neck with slight edge for Talarico as he seeks party's first statewide win since 1994.
Paxton's Campaign Finance
Paxton raised $14.3 million, spent $7.5 million, with $6.9 million cash on hand as of July 31, 2026.
Talarico's Campaign Finance
Talarico raised $68.6 million, spent $47 million, with $21.5 million cash on hand as of July 31, 2026.
Brown's Campaign Finance
Brown raised $12,667, spent $9,786, with $2,948 cash on hand as of September 30, 2026.
Paxton's Policy Stance
Paxton opposes federal regulation of hemp products but has not directly answered questions on AI, border security, and medical gender transition.
Talarico's Policy Stance
Talarico supports legalizing marijuana for adults, ending Iran war, and regulating data centers to protect water and utility costs.
Brown's Policy Stance
Brown opposes federal regulation of cannabis, tariffs, and border walls, advocating for free trade and minimal government intervention.
Border Security Debate
Talarico supports stopping border wall construction in Big Bend National Park while Paxton calls it 'not smart border security'.
Medical Gender Transition
Paxton opposes medical gender transition care for minors, while Talarico supports child safety and Talarico opposes gender reassignment surgery for minors.
Data Center Regulations
Paxton supports data center regulations to protect water and infrastructure, while Talarico wants to regulate AI data centers to protect water and utility costs.
AI and National Security
Talarico supports AI kill switches and national security measures, while Brown opposes government regulation of AI due to potential risks.
Tariffs and Trade
Talarico opposes Trump's tariffs, while Brown argues tariffs are unconstitutional and supports free trade.
Federal Gas Tax
Talarico supports suspending federal gas tax to end Iran war, while Paxton supports permanent repeal of federal gas tax.
Flock Cameras and Privacy
Talarico opposes warrantless surveillance with license plate readers, while Paxton has not directly answered.
What Happens Next
The 2026 Texas Senate election will determine the next U.S. Senator for Texas with high stakes for national political balance.
Here's the gist
Texas Republicans and Democrats compete for U.S. Senate seat with Paxton, Talarico and Brown running against each other in 2026 election.
