On Election Day, Texans choose between Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico in a neck-and-neck U.S. Senate race that could help decide which party controls the chamber.
Why this race matters
Polls opened at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. local time across Texas. The contest pits state Attorney General Ken Paxton against state Rep. James Talarico of Austin. Democrats have not won a Texas U.S. Senate seat since 1988, according to Al Jazeera. Republicans hold a slim national Senate majority and need to keep the seat. Democrats need several flips nationwide to take control.
More than 7.7 million Texans already voted early, a 40.5% turnout among registered voters that beat the modern midterm early-vote record set in 2018, according to the Texas Tribune citing secretary of state data. About 19 million Texans are registered to vote.
What each side says
Paxton frames the race as a fight to keep Texas conservative and warn that a Democratic win would threaten jobs and values. At a closing event in Allen, he told supporters the race was extremely close. “Texas has never been this close,” Paxton said, according to FOX 4. “If Texas falls, we don’t have another Texas to move to.”
On X on Election Day morning, Paxton posted: “IT’S ELECTION DAY! It all comes down to this. Polls are open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. Let’s finish strong, Texas. Get out and VOTE!”
Talarico casts the race as working families against political corruption and billionaire influence. At his final “Clear Eyes, Full Hearts” rallies, he said voters were choosing everyday Texans over wealthy interests. “We are running against the embodiment of this corrupt system,” Talarico said of Paxton, according to FOX 4. His campaign urged Texans to find polling places and turn out Tuesday.
President Donald Trump endorsed Paxton and urged Texas voters to support him in an X post on Nov. 2. Outside groups funded largely by Elon Musk have poured heavy advertising into the race, the Texas Tribune reported, helping make it the most expensive U.S. Senate contest on record.
Key facts at a glance
- Candidates: Ken Paxton (R), James Talarico (D), plus Libertarian Ted Brown on the ballot
- Early vote: More than 7.7 million ballots before Election Day
- Polls: Open 7 a.m.–7 p.m.; anyone in line at close can still vote
- National stakes: Outcome could affect which party runs the U.S. Senate
What happens next
Results will roll in after polls close. Both campaigns spent Monday making final pitches and Tuesday pushing Election Day turnout on social media. Neither side has claimed victory; counting continues until counties finish reporting.
A Senate majority lets a party set the chamber’s agenda and confirm or block presidential nominees. That is the main national reason this Texas race is drawing so much attention beyond the state.
Sources: Texas Tribune, Texas Tribune race preview, FOX 4, Al Jazeera, Ken Paxton on X, Team Talarico on X, Donald Trump on X
