James Talarico challenges GOP frontrunners in tight Texas Senate race
- A poll shows that James Talarico and Colin Allred, both Democratic candidates, are close to GOP candidates in the Texas Senate race.
- Talarico raised over $6.2 million in three weeks, indicating strong financial support for his campaign.
- Democrats see Texas as crucial to regaining control of the Senate, making Talarico's competitive standing noteworthy.
In a recent poll conducted from September 19 to October 1, 2025, James Talarico, a Democratic candidate for the Texas Senate, emerged as a strong contender against Republican candidates in a traditionally conservative state. The poll, which surveyed 1,650 respondents, indicated that Talarico was trailing incumbent Senator John Cornyn by only three points and Attorney General Ken Paxton by three as well. Meanwhile, former Congressman Colin Allred also showed competitive results against these GOP candidates, highlighting a potential shift in the political landscape of Texas as Democrats aim to gain ground in an essential battleground state. Talarico, who entered the primary in September, has a focus on social issues and aims to appeal to working-class Texans. He raised over $6.2 million in just three weeks during the third quarter, setting a record for a Senate candidate in their initial quarter in Texas. In a rally, Talarico criticized both political parties for not adequately representing the interests of everyday Texans, positioning himself as a candidate who will address issues impacting working families. His comments highlighted the need for stronger advocacy from the national Democratic Party. The importance of Texas in the broader context of Senate control is significant. Currently, Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate, and for Democrats to regain control, states like Texas, which is traditionally Republican, must flip to their side. The poll results suggest that Talarico’s campaign could capitalize on a potential leftward shift in voter sentiment, given recent criticisms of Republicans and a more pronounced Democratic presence in local races. In addition to Talarico, other candidates are vying for the Senate seat, including Colin Allred and possibly Beto O’Rourke, although the status of O’Rourke's campaign remains uncertain. The Republican primary is also beginning to heat up, with Paxton, Cornyn, and newcomer Wesley Hunt leading the race. As the primaries approach, the competitive landscape may change, reflecting a broader struggle for the Senate seat and affecting the political balance in 2025.