Democrats lead in Texas and Alaska Senate polls

New polling data indicates a boost for Democratic candidates in the battle for Senate control, specifically in Texas and Alaska.

In Texas, Democratic State Representative James Talarico leads Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton with 51% to 45%, according to a New York Times/Siena College poll. This six-point lead sits just outside the poll’s 4.5-percentage-point margin of error. A separate Marist College poll also placed Talarico ahead by six points. The poll noted that President Trump’s approval rating in Texas stands at 40%, while 57% disapprove.

In Alaska, Democrat Mary Peltola holds a 50% to 43% lead over Republican Senator Dan Sullivan. This seven-point advantage exceeds the poll’s margin of error. The results follow reports of a recording in which Paxton suggested that candidate numbers had dropped following the recent GOP midterm convention in Dallas.