Democrats cautiously optimistic after Trump backs Paxton in Texas Senate runoff
Democrats are feeling anxious but hopeful about their chances of winning a Senate seat in Texas following President Trump’s decision to back state Attorney General Ken Paxton. Trump's endorsement is seen as a boost to Democratic nominee James Talarico, who is considered a strong candidate. The Texas Senate runoff has become the most expensive primary and priciest primary runoff on record, with significant cash advantages for both Talarico and incumbent Sen. John Cornyn.
- ▪President Trump has endorsed Ken Paxton in the Texas Senate runoff, which could leave Democrats with a vulnerable opponent in the general election.
- ▪A University of Texas/Texas Politics Project poll found James Talarico up 7 and 8 points over Cornyn and Paxton, respectively.
- ▪The Texas Senate runoff has become the most expensive primary and priciest primary runoff on record, with roughly $20 million spent in support of Cornyn and $5 million spent in support of Paxton.
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On The Ballot Democrats cautiously optimistic after Trump backs Paxton in Texas Senate runoff Comments: by Caroline Vakil and Julia Mueller - 05/21/26 8:00 AM ET Comments: Link copied by Caroline Vakil and Julia Mueller - 05/21/26 8:00 AM ET Comments: Link copied NOW PLAYING Democrats are feeling anxious but hopeful about their chances of winning a Senate seat in Texas following President Trump’s decision to back state Attorney General Ken Paxton (R), who is seen as a weaker general election candidate than Sen. John Cornyn (R). While Texas has long been a great white whale for the party, Democrats think they have a uniquely strong nominee in James Talarico and that Trump’s boost of Paxton could leave them with a vulnerable opponent.
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