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Texas Senate race between Ken Paxton and James Talarico enters final days
The U.S. Senate contest in Texas between Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico has become one of the most expensive and closely watched midterm races in the country. Recent polling from Fox News shows the candidates in a virtual dead heat, with both receiving approximately 49% of voter support.
Democratic candidate James Talarico, a former teacher and state representative, is running a campaign centered on economic populism and his Christian faith. He has characterized the race as a “David versus Goliath” struggle and has criticized the influence of billionaire mega-donors, specifically targeting Elon Musk for his significant financial support of the Republican effort.
Republican candidate Ken Paxton, the current Texas Attorney General, maintains strong support from Donald Trump. His campaign has faced scrutiny regarding past business dealings, including an investment in a company run by a convicted fraudster, and his legal actions against various entities.
While the candidates differ sharply on policy, both have expressed concerns regarding the impact of social media on children's mental health. The election results are expected to have significant implications for party control of the U.S. Senate.
Entities
Angela Paxton · CNN · Elon Musk · Fox News · James Talarico · Jubilee · Ken Paxton · OpenAI · Scott Sherman · Steven Crowder · Texas · The Texas Tribune
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Paxtons invested $600,000 into a business run by Scott Sherman. newrepublic.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Steven Crowder filed a lawsuit against CNN and Jubilee regarding the 'Change My Mind' format.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Scott Sherman pleaded guilty to mortgage fraud in 2014. newrepublic.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Ken Paxton has been suing Big Tech companies regarding youth safety. www.troyrecord.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Ken Paxton and James Talarico are tied at 49% in a Fox News poll. notiziedi.it · www.dire.it · ricochet.com · www.durangoherald.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] James Talarico has endorsed a social media ban for children under 16. www.troyrecord.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Total advertising investments for the race have approached $340 million since the primaries. notiziedi.it · www.dire.it · ricochet.com
- [● 6 SOURCES] Ken Paxton is the current Texas Attorney General. www.durangoherald.com · notiziedi.it · www.dire.it · ricochet.com · sentinelcolorado.com · +1 more
- [● 2 SOURCES] James Talarico is a former teacher and state representative. notiziedi.it · www.dire.it
- [● 3 SOURCES] Elon Musk directed $158 million to Ken Paxton’s campaign via the Texas PAC. laopinion.com · rocketnews.com · deultimominuto.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and Sam Altman in Collin County district court on October 23, 2026. www.thegatewaypundit.com · feeds.texastribune.org
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Advertising expenditures for the Texas Senate race have exceeded $544 million. saobentoemfoco.com.br