# Texas 2026 Senate race: GOP spending surge and Talarico's Sc > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/texas-senate-runoff-between-cornyn-and-paxton-highlighted-by-fundraising-gap-and-undecided-trump-end > Updated: 2026-09-17T11:00:03.000Z. Sources: 285. Developments: 83. The Texas 2026 U.S. Senate race between Democrat James Talarico and Republican Ken Paxton has intensified as the midterm election approaches. While Talarico maintains a slight lead in recent AARP polling at 48 percent to 44 percent, Paxton holds a significant advantage of 53 percent to 40 percent among voters aged 50 and older. Political analysts now characterize the contest as a toss-up, with voter concerns focused on the cost of living, Social Security, and Medicare. Republican outside groups have launched a massive advertising surge to support Paxton. A super PAC linked to Senate Majority Leader John Thune has purchased approximately $32 million in television advertisements, supplementing previous commitments from MAGA Inc., which has spent $10 million. This influx of capital follows a surge in Republican fundraising emails, which observers interpret as a sign of campaign urgency. In response to the Republican spending, Talarico has seen increased visibility through alternative media; a YouTube interview garnered 5 million views within 24 hours after being pulled from a late-night television network. Talarico’s campaign has also accused Paxton of dodging debate invitations and avoiding public accountability. This election represents potentially uncharted territory for Texas, as Democrats seek to win statewide office for the first time since 1994. While Republicans have long dominated the state, shifting public sentiment regarding the economy and local infrastructure has created a highly competitive environment. ## Claims - The Cook Political Report rates the Texas Senate race as 'Lean Republican.' (disputed by 4 sources) - James Talarico has raised approximately $68 million, while Ken Paxton has raised approximately $9 million. (disputed by 2 sources) - James Talarico raised about $28 million in the second quarter, while Ken Paxton raised about $1.6 million. (disputed) - Ken Paxton raised approximately $9.2 million for the general election with $1.7 million cash on hand as of late June 2026. (disputed) - Political analysts have shifted their assessment of the Texas Senate race from 'leans Republican' to 'toss-up.' (disputed) - MAGA Inc. is spending $10 million on television and digital advertisements for the Texas Senate race. (corroborated by 41 sources) - MAGA Inc. has at least $400 million in cash on hand. (corroborated by 39 sources) - Ken Paxton is the Republican nominee for the Texas Senate race. (corroborated by 38 sources) - MAGA Inc. ads portray James Talarico as a candidate who wants to increase taxes. (corroborated by 27 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-17: Ken Paxton receives major GOP funding for Texas Senate race Republican PACs are spending tens of millions to support Ken Paxton’s Texas Senate bid as he faces a highly competitive race against Democrat James Talarico. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ken-paxton-receives-major-gop-funding-for-texas-senate-race ### 2026-09-14: Texas Senate race between Talarico and Paxton tightens in new polls Democratic nominee James Talarico holds a narrow lead over Republican Ken Paxton in a tightening Texas Senate race, according to recent polls, as the 2026 midterm election approaches. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/james-talarico-leads-ken-paxton-in-texas-senate-race-poll ### 2026-09-11: Texas Senate race: Republicans surge with $51M ad buy for Ken Paxton Republican groups have launched a massive spending surge in the Texas Senate race, with over $51 million in new ads to support Ken Paxton against Democrat James Talarico, who currently leads in recent polls. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/donald-trump-endorses-ken-paxton-for-texas-senate ### 2026-09-06: James Talarico faces scrutiny over tax vote and campaign strategy Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico is facing questions over a 2019 tax vote, while Rep. Jasmine Crockett defends her decision to focus on local races rather than joining his campaign. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/james-talarico-faces-scrutiny-over-tax-vote-and-campaign-strategy ### 2026-09-05: MAGA Inc. announces $10 million ad spend for Texas Senate race Trump-linked super PAC MAGA Inc. is spending $10 million on ads for the Texas Senate race, splitting funds between supporting Ken Paxton and attacking Democrat James Talarico. 58 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/donald-trumps-maga-inc-spends-10m-on-texas-senate-race-ads ### 2026-09-04: James Talarico faces scrutiny over past comments on gender and identity Texas Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico faces scrutiny over resurfaced comments praising a transgender activist and remarks regarding the perspectives of straight white individuals. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/james-talarico-faces-scrutiny-over-past-comments-on-gender-and-identity ### 2026-09-03: Texas Senate race emerges as key contest for chamber control The Texas Senate race between Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico is emerging as a critical contest that could influence control of the U.S. Senate. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/texas-senate-race-emerges-as-key-contest-for-chamber-control ### 2026-09-03: Texas Senate race intensifies as Trump endorses Ken Paxton Donald Trump has endorsed Texas Republican Senate nominee Ken Paxton, while Democrat James Talarico’s campaign accuses Paxton of dodging debates in their tightening Senate race. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ken-paxton-faces-debate-criticism-and-trump-support-in-texas-senate-race ### 2026-08-31: Jasmine Crockett to focus on Texas down-ballot Democratic candidates Rep. Jasmine Crockett will focus on supporting down-ballot Democratic candidates in Texas, including state House and county judge nominees, rather than campaigning for Senate candidate James Talarico. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jasmine-crockett-to-focus-on-texas-down-ballot-democratic-candidates ### 2026-08-30: Texas Senate race tightens as Talarico gains fundraising edge over Paxton Democrat James Talarico is narrowing the gap in the Texas Senate race against Republican Ken Paxton, leveraging a massive $68 million fundraising advantage to turn the contest into a toss-up. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/texas-senate-race-tightens-as-talarico-gains-fundraising-edge-over-paxton ### 2026-08-28: Jasmine Crockett declines to campaign for James Talarico Rep. Jasmine Crockett will not campaign for James Talarico in his Texas Senate race against Ken Paxton, citing a desire to focus on other down-ballot candidates. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jasmine-crockett-declines-to-campaign-for-james-talarico ### 2026-08-28: John Cornyn criticizes Ken Paxton's campaign performance in Texas Senate race Senator John Cornyn has criticized GOP Senate nominee Ken Paxton as a ‘lazy’ campaigner, noting a massive fundraising gap between Paxton and Democrat James Talarico in the Texas Senate race. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/john-cornyn-criticizes-ken-paxtons-campaign-efforts-in-texas-senate-race ### 2026-08-27: Donald Trump campaigns in Texas to support Ken Paxton Donald Trump is campaigning in Texas to support Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton, who trails Democrat James Talarico in a highly competitive midterm race. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/donald-trump-campaigns-in-texas-to-support-ken-paxton ### 2026-08-26: James Talarico seeks to unseal Ken Paxton's depositions Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico is seeking to unseal Ken Paxton’s 2019 and 2022 depositions regarding a Unity Resources legal dispute to highlight potential ethical concerns ahead of the Texas election 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/james-talarico-seeks-to-unseal-ken-paxtons-fraud-case-depositions ### 2026-08-23: Texas Senate race shifts to toss-up between Paxton and Talarico The Texas Senate race between Ken Paxton and James Talarico has shifted to a toss-up, with recent polls showing Talarico holding a narrow lead and Cook Political Report upgrading the race's competitiveness. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greg-abbott-defends-ken-paxton-amid-texas-senate-race-uncertainty ### 2026-08-23: James Talarico faces concerns over Black voter support in Texas Senate race Democrats warn that Texas Senate nominee James Talarico faces challenges in securing the Black voter support essential to winning the state, citing low enthusiasm and delayed campaign investments. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/james-talarico-faces-concerns-over-black-voter-support-in-texas-senate-race ### 2026-08-20: James Talarico targets big money and religious nationalism in Texas Senate race Texas Senate candidate James Talarico is leveraging grassroots fundraising and religious themes to challenge Republican Ken Paxton and the influence of billionaire donors like Elon Musk. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/james-talarico-targets-big-money-and-religious-nationalism-in-texas-senate-race ### 2026-08-19: James Talarico faces criticism over voter ID comments Texas Senate candidate James Talarico faces criticism over his comments regarding the SAVE America Act and voter ID requirements, as well as his recent campaign imagery. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/james-talarico-faces-criticism-over-voter-id-comments ### 2026-08-15: Texas election polls show tight races for Senate and Governor Texas election forecasts show a tight US Senate race with Democrat James Talarico leading Ken Paxton, while Governor Greg Abbott maintains a narrow lead in the gubernatorial contest. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/texas-election-polls-show-tight-races-for-senate-and-governor ### 2026-08-15: Texas political figures face scrutiny over legal records and cannabis stances Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton faces scrutiny after avoiding questions on state cannabis laws during his Senate campaign, while Mayes Middleton campaigns for the Attorney General office. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/texas-political-figures-face-scrutiny-over-legal-records-and-cannabis-stances ### 2026-08-13: James Talarico faces scrutiny over campaign messaging and legislative record Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico faces criticism over alleged changes to his campaign messaging and his past legislative votes regarding gender-transition medical procedures for minors. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/james-talarico-faces-scrutiny-over-campaign-messaging-and-legislative-record ### 2026-08-13: Texas Senate race intensifies between Ken Paxton and James Talarico Texas Senate candidates Ken Paxton and James Talarico face a high-stakes race marked by personal controversies, religious messaging, and intense scrutiny of their legislative and legal histories. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ken-paxton-faces-personal-scrutiny-and-funding-gaps-in-texas-senate-race ### 2026-08-11: James Talarico faces scrutiny over religious and tax policies Texas Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico faces scrutiny over resurfaced comments about his church's history of housing undocumented immigrants and his criticisms of religious influence in politics. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/james-talarico-faces-scrutiny-over-resurfaced-comments-on-church-and-immigration ### 2026-08-10: Ken Paxton faces scrutiny over finances and campaign heckling Texas Senate candidate Ken Paxton faces scrutiny over income from a co-founded cell tower company and heckling at a campaign event regarding past personal and professional controversies. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ken-paxton-faces-scrutiny-over-finances-and-campaign-heckling ### 2026-08-07: James Talarico leads Ken Paxton in Texas Senate race polls Democratic candidate James Talarico has taken a narrow lead in recent polls for the Texas U.S. Senate race against Republican Ken Paxton, driven by gains among independent and female voters. 16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/james-talarico-leads-texas-senate-race-in-latest-polls ### 2026-08-06: Rep. Jasmine Crockett says she’ll wait for money before backing James Talarico in Texas Senate race Rep. Jasmine Crockett says she’ll wait for campaign money before actively supporting James Talarico, noting no major party funding and expressing doubt about polls that suggest a Texas Senate flip. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rep-jasmine-crockett-says-shell-wait-for-money-before-backing-james-talarico-in-texas-senate-race ### 2026-08-04: James Talarico Leads Ken Paxton in Texas Senate Race Polls show Democrat James Talarico narrowly ahead of Republican Ken Paxton in the Texas Senate race, with leads among Black, Hispanic and independent voters. Both candidates face voter‑fraud accusations, and Pa 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/james-talarico-leads-ken-paxton-in-texas-senate-poll-1 ### 2026-08-01: Texas Republican Senate Primary Leads to Runoff Between Cornyn and Paxton Cornyn and Paxton head to a May runoff after a tight Texas Republican Senate primary; Democrat James Talarico wins his primary decisively, and Rep. Dan Crenshaw loses his seat in the 2026 elections. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/texas-republican-senate-primary-leads-to-runoff-between-cornyn-and-paxton ### 2026-07-30: James Talarico Leads Ken Paxton in Texas Senate Poll A Fox News poll shows Democrat James Talarico at 51% and Republican Ken Paxton at 48% in the Texas Senate race, a 3‑point lead that widens among highly motivated voters; Talarico gains strong Democratic, indep‑ 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/james-talarico-leads-ken-paxton-in-texas-senate-poll ### 2026-07-28: James Talarico Leads Ken Paxton by 5 Points in Texas Senate Race Poll Texas poll finds Democrat James Talarico ahead of Republican Ken Paxton 45%‑40%, with Talarico leading among independents and non‑college voters; he has raised $28 M versus Paxton’s $1.6 M, and debates are set. 15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/james-talarico-leads-texas-senate-race-poll-over-ken-paxton ### 2026-07-26: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton Accused of Voter Fraud in Senate Race Democratic challenger James Talarico accuses Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton of voting from a non‑residential address in six elections, prompting a Democratic complaint and a potential investigation ahead of 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/texas-attorney-general-ken-paxton-accused-of-voter-fraud-in-senate-race ### 2026-07-25: James Talarico campaigns to regain Hispanic support along Texas border Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico tours Texas‑Mexico border, urging Hispanic voters who turned Republican to return to the Democratic Party, aiming to be the first Democrat to win a Texas statewide job 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/james-talarico-campaigns-to-regain-hispanic-support-along-texas-border ### 2026-07-23: Ken Paxton faces voter‑fraud accusations and campaign‑finance probe in Texas Senate race Ken Paxton, Texas AG and Senate candidate, is under voter‑fraud and campaign‑finance scrutiny, while opponent James Talarico faces his own PR hurdles. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/texas-senate-race-between-ken-paxton-and-james-talarico-intensifies ### 2026-07-21: MAGA Inc builds $400 million war chest for 2026 US midterms MAGA Inc., a Trump‑aligned super PAC, has raised over $400 million for the 2026 US midterm elections, targeting key Senate and House races such as Texas and North Carolina. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maga-inc-builds-400-million-war-chest-for-2026-us-midterms ### 2026-07-20: James Talarico faces heated confrontations with voters at Texas Senate campaign events James Talarico, a Texas Democratic Senate candidate, was filmed confronting Black voters at two town halls, sparking viral debate over his outreach and campaign tactics. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/james-talarico-faces-heated-confrontations-with-voters-at-texas-senate-campaign-events ### 2026-07-18: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton accused of inflating rally attendance Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s campaign overstated rally attendance, claiming 700 guests despite a venue capacity of 200 and reports of about 100, prompting criticism from Texas Democrats. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/texas-attorney-general-ken-paxton-accused-of-inflating-rally-attendance ### 2026-07-18: James Talarico Faces Fallout Over Epstein-Linked Backer and Abuse Allegations Texas Senate candidate James Talarico is under fire after his top donor, billionaire Reid Hoffman, was linked to Jeffrey Epstein; Talarico also faces criticism for not condemning allies and for alleged false‑st 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/james-talarico-faces-fallout-over-epstein-linked-backer-and-abuse-allegations ### 2026-07-16: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton faces voter‑fraud complaint over alleged illegal voting Collin County Democrats have asked Texas officials to investigate Attorney General Ken Paxton for allegedly voting multiple times from an address he no longer lives at, a claim tied to his Senate candidacy. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/texas-attorney-general-ken-paxton-faces-voterfraud-complaint-over-alleged-illegal-voting ### 2026-07-15: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s Real Estate Holdings Fuel Senate Race Controversy Ken Paxton’s $1.6 M Utah condo purchase and a multi‑state $7‑9 M property portfolio have sparked ethics questions and intensified scrutiny in his 2026 Texas Senate campaign. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/texas-attorney-general-ken-paxtons-real-estate-holdings-fuel-senate-race-controversy ### 2026-07-14: James Talarico Courts Black Voters in Texas Senate Campaign James Talarico boosts Black voter outreach in Texas while rebuffing Republican Dan Patrick’s mockery, stressing economic issues ahead of his Senate race. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/james-talarico-courts-black-voters-in-texas-senate-campaign ### 2026-07-11: James Talarico Texas Senate Campaign Gains Momentum James Talarico's Texas Senate campaign kick‑started a border tour, promised anti‑corruption reforms, and reported a record $30 M fundraising haul, while rival Ken Paxton raised $9 M, leaving the race tied in a 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/james-talarico-texas-senate-campaign-gains-momentum ### 2026-07-10: Texas Senate race heats up as Ken Paxton faces abuse‑case controversy In the Texas Senate race, Democratic Rep. James Talarico accuses Attorney General Ken Paxton of a sweetheart deal protecting a child‑sex offender, while Ted Cruz warns the race is tight and Talarico has out‑pol 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/texas-senate-race-heats-up-as-ken-paxton-faces-abusecase-controversy ### 2026-07-08: Texas Senate Candidate James Talarico Faces Gun‑Control Scrutiny and Political Attacks Texas Senate hopeful James Talarico backs assault‑weapon bans and other gun‑control measures, faces GOP attacks over alleged veganism, and has hired a former “C‑ks Not Glocks” activist to help craft policy. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/texas-senate-candidate-james-talaricos-gun-policy-draws-criticism ### 2026-07-07: James Talarico's Texas Senate Campaign Targets Drag Shows, Mexico Fans and Purged Voters Democratic Texas Senate nominee James Talarico, who praised the state’s drag queens in 2023, is teaming with Beto O’Rourke’s group to court drag‑show goers, Mexico World Cup fans and voters removed from rolls, 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/james-talaricos-texas-senate-campaign-targets-drag-shows-mexico-fans-and-purged-voters ### 2026-07-07: James Talarico Raises Record $30 Million in Q2, Triple Rival Ken Paxton's Fundraising James Talarico raised $30 million in Q2, a record for a Senate candidate, over triple Ken Paxton’s $9 million, making the Texas Senate race a tightly contested, potentially pivotal contest. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/james-talarico-raises-30-million-in-texas-senate-race-far-outpacing-ken-paxton ### 2026-07-07: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton accused of voter fraud and affair Ken Paxton faces voter‑fraud allegations for voting at a non‑residential address and criticism for a July holiday in England with an alleged mistress, complicating his Texas Senate campaign. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/texas-attorney-general-ken-paxton-accused-of-voter-fraud-and-affair ### 2026-07-03: Donald Trump’s MAGA Inc. weighs spending on Senate races in Texas and North Carolina Donald Trump’s MAGA Inc., with $382 M, may fund his Senate picks Ken Paxton (TX) and Michael Whatley (NC), though spending plans remain uncertain. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/donald-trumps-maga-inc-weighs-spending-on-senate-races-in-texas-and-north-carolina ### 2026-07-03: Emily Compagno Calls Texas Senate Candidate James Talarico a “Demon in Human Skin” Emily Compagno on Fox News called Texas Senate candidate James Talarico a “demon in human skin,” intensifying the tight race against embattled Republican Ken Paxton. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/emily-compagno-calls-texas-senate-candidate-james-talarico-a-demon-in-human-skin ### 2026-06-29: Donald Trump announces first‑ever Republican midterm convention in Dallas Donald Trump announced a historic Republican midterm convention in Dallas for Sept 9‑10 2026, aiming to boost GOP turnout and spotlight the tight Texas Senate race. 20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ken-paxton-and-james-talarico-tied-in-texas-senate-race-poll ### 2026-06-27: Ken Paxton and James Talarico Clash Over Identity, Religion and Funding in Texas Senate Race Ken Paxton attacks James Talarico’s identity and religious comments while both vie for Texas’s U.S. Senate seat, with fierce fundraising and cultural criticisms defining the race. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ken-paxton-and-james-talarico-clash-in-texas-us-senate-race ### 2026-06-26: James Talarico's Christian quote misrepresented online Texas Senate hopeful James Talarico's remarks about Christianity were taken out of context online, prompting fact‑checks that clarify his comments critique Christian nationalism rather than express hatred of ​​ 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/james-talaricos-christian-quote-misrepresented-online ### 2026-06-25: Texas Democratic Senate Nominee James Talarico Fundraises with Billionaire JB Pritzker Democratic Texas Senate candidate James Talarico, who criticizes billionaire influence, raised funds at a Chicago event hosted by billionaire Gov. JB Pritzker, prompting scrutiny over his campaign’s reliance on 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/texas-democratic-senate-nominee-james-talarico-fundraises-with-billionaire-jb-pritzker ### 2026-06-24: Texas Senate race neck‑and‑neck between Ken Paxton and James Talarico A Texas poll shows Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico virtually tied for the U.S. Senate seat, with each side courting key voter groups ahead of the November election. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/texas-senate-race-neckandneck-between-ken-paxton-and-james-talarico ### 2026-06-23: James Talarico's anti‑Christian remarks spark controversy in Texas Senate race Texas Democratic Senate hopeful James Talarico resurfaced a 2021 podcast where he called himself a “Christian who hates Christianity,” sparking controversy as the race with Ken Paxton remains tightly contested. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senate-candidate-james-talarico-calls-himself-a-christian-who-hates-christianity ### 2026-06-22: Ken Paxton Leads Texas Senate Race Over Democrat James Talarico Ken Paxton leads the 2026 Texas Senate race with 49% to Democrat James Talarico’s 47%, despite Paxton’s past legal scandals and a costly GOP campaign outlook. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ken-paxton-leads-texas-senate-race-over-democrat-james-talarico ### 2026-06-22: Jasmine Crockett rebuffs Texas Senate hopeful James Talarico, highlighting Democratic split Rep. Jasmine Crockett rebuffed Senate candidate James Talarico, criticizing his outreach and signaling a split within Texas Democrats ahead of the November election. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jasmine-crockett-rebuffs-texas-senate-hopeful-james-talarico-highlighting-democratic-split ### 2026-06-21: James Talarico's Texas Senate Bid Sparks Intra‑Democratic Rift Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico in Texas cites an activist theologian and faces a split with Rep. Jasmine Crockett, raising concerns over Black voter support ahead of his race against Ken Paxton. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/james-talaricos-texas-senate-bid-sparks-intrademocratic-rift ### 2026-06-18: James Talarico and Ken Paxton clash in high‑stakes Texas Senate race Texas Senate race pits Democrat James Talarico against Republican Ken Paxton; Talarico attacks Paxton over a lenient child‑abuse plea deal, while Rep. Jasmine Crockett says black voters remain divided and skips 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/texas-attorney-general-ken-paxton-backs-ivf-breaking-with-state-gop-platform ### 2026-06-17: Texas Senate Candidate Talarico Praises Climate Group as Senate Advances Protect College Sports Act James Talarico lauds climate group Third Act while backing LNG production, and the Senate moves the Protect College Sports Act forward despite SEC and Big Ten opposition. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/texas-senate-candidate-james-talarico-praises-climate-activist-group-third-act ### 2026-06-16: James Talarico Secures Endorsement in Texas Senate Race Against Ken Paxton James Talarico, the Democratic nominee for Texas’s 2026 Senate race, has been endorsed by longtime Paxton lawyer Dan Cogdell as he prepares to face the incumbent attorney general. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/james-talarico-secures-endorsement-in-texas-senate-race-against-ken-paxton ### 2026-06-13: James Talarico Faces Texas Senate Scrutiny Over DEI Ties and Controversial Alliances James Talarico, a Texas Senate hopeful, is under fire for his former DEI consulting work and a controversial alliance with Democrat Bobby Pulido, raising doubts about his political positioning. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/james-talarico-faces-texas-senate-scrutiny-over-dei-ties-and-controversial-alliances ### 2026-06-13: Donald Trump urged to fund Ken Paxton in Texas Senate race Republicans urge Donald Trump to spend his war chest on indicted Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s Senate bid, which faces a tied race against Democrat James Talarico. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/donald-trump-urged-to-fund-ken-paxton-in-texas-senate-race ### 2026-06-13: Texas Rep. James Talarico Calls for Doctors to Treat Child Gender Dysphoria Texas Rep. James Talarico says doctors must treat severe gender dysphoria in minors, citing research, while opposing surgery and voting against a bill that would ban such treatments; he faces backlash from GOP. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/texas-rep-james-talarico-calls-for-doctors-to-treat-child-gender-dysphoria ### 2026-06-11: Senator John Cornyn Defeated by Ken Paxton in Texas GOP Primary Senator John Cornyn lost his Senate seat to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in a GOP primary, prompting criticism and highlighting intra‑party rifts. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senator-john-cornyn-defeated-by-ken-paxton-in-texas-gop-primary ### 2026-06-08: Ken Paxton Loses Former Attorney's Endorsement as Texas Senate Race Heats Up Ken Paxton’s former lawyer denounced him and endorsed Democrat James Talarico, shifting campaign support in the Texas Senate race amid attacks on masculinity and Trump backing. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ken-paxton-loses-former-attorneys-endorsement-as-texas-senate-race-heats-up ### 2026-06-07: Rep. Don Bacon calls Trump's endorsement of Ken Paxton a mistake Rep. Don Bacon says Trump’s endorsement of Texas candidate Ken Paxton is a mistake, warning it makes the Senate seat vulnerable, and urges allies to boost Patriot missile production for Ukraine. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rep-don-bacon-calls-trumps-endorsement-of-ken-paxton-a-mistake ### 2026-06-05: Ken Paxton Leads Tight Texas Senate Race Over James Talarico Ken Paxton leads a close Texas Senate poll at 45% vs James Talarico's 43%; demographics split and prediction markets favor Paxton, making the race the state's tightest statewide contest. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ken-paxton-leads-tight-texas-senate-race-over-james-talarico ### 2026-06-03: John Cornyn Boosts Libertarian Candidate After Primary Defeat After losing a primary to Ken Paxton, Sen. John Cornyn promoted Libertarian Ted Brown, sparking criticism that he may be undermining the Republican nominee in Texas’s tight U.S. Senate race. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/john-cornyn-boosts-libertarian-candidate-after-primary-defeat ### 2026-06-01: Ken Paxton Confronted by Consumer Complaints During Texas Senate Run Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, Senate candidate, is pressured to disclose WinRed complaints that allegedly drained donors' savings while he fights an ActBlue lawsuit. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ken-paxton-confronted-by-consumer-complaints-during-texas-senate-run ### 2026-06-01: James Talarico Faces Scrutiny Over Past Remarks in Texas Senate Race James Talarico’s Texas Senate campaign is under pressure to address past remarks on gender and race, including calling women “neighbors with a uterus,” as strategists urge clarification. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/james-talarico-faces-scrutiny-over-past-remarks-in-texas-senate-race ### 2026-05-30: Texas Senate Race: Ken Paxton Faces James Talarico Ken Paxton, backed by Trump, and Democrat James Talarico, under fire for controversial gender and religious remarks, clash in a pivotal Texas Senate race that could shift Senate control. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/texas-senate-race-heats-up-as-james-talarico-faces-ken-paxton ### 2026-05-30: John Cornyn's Texas Defeat Highlights Trump‑Driven Shift in Republican Senate John Cornyn’s Texas runoff loss to a Trump‑backed challenger fuels the rise of the “YOLO” Republican caucus, shifting Senate dynamics as MAGA influence grows. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/john-cornyns-texas-defeat-highlights-trumpdriven-shift-in-republican-senate ### 2026-05-29: Texas Senate candidate James Talarico sparks backlash over biblical views on abortion and gender Democratic Texas Senate nominee James Talarico says the Bible is silent on abortion and calls God non‑binary, sparking backlash from religious conservatives. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/texas-senate-candidate-james-talarico-sparks-backlash-over-biblical-views-on-abortion-and-gender ### 2026-05-28: Democratic challenger James Talarico leads Texas Senate race over GOP Attorney General Ken Paxton in new poll A Texas poll shows Democrat James Talarico ahead of GOP Sen. Ken Paxton 47%‑43%, with strong Latino support and former Cornyn voters shifting amid Paxton’s scandals. 27 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/democratic-challenger-james-talarico-leads-texas-senate-race-over-gop-attorney-general-ken-paxton-in ### 2026-05-27: James Talarico faces Ken Paxton in Texas Senate race Ken Paxton won the Texas GOP runoff, earning Trump’s backing, and now faces Democrat James Talarico, who raised $3 M in a day. Talarico endures personal attacks and a DNC‑Miller profanity clash as the race may決 46 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/texas-attorney-general-ken-paxton-attacks-democrat-james-talarico-with-genderfocused-rhetoric ### 2026-05-25: Donald Trump backs Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and attacks Republican primary rivals Donald Trump reaffirmed support for Texas AG Ken Paxton, attacked Senate candidate John Cornyn, and criticized Republicans opposing the Iran deal, while backing Kansas leader Ty Masterson ahead of upcoming prim 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/donald-trump-backs-texas-attorney-general-ken-paxton-and-attacks-republican-primary-rivals ### 2026-05-24: Ken Paxton Leads Texas Senate Runoff as Trump Endorses Him Trump’s endorsement lifts Ken Paxton ahead of Texas GOP Senate runoff; poll shows 52.7% vs 43.4% for John Cornyn. GOP faces internal criticism and concerns over broader electoral impact. 52 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sen-thom-tillis-denounces-trump-endorsed-ken-paxton-in-texas-senate-runoff ### 2026-05-21: Ken Paxton Leads Texas Senate Runoff After Trump Endorsement Ken Paxton leads the Texas Senate GOP runoff after Trump's endorsement, polling 56.8% to John Cornyn's 35.4%, amid intense intra‑party rivalry. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ken-paxton-leads-texas-senate-runoff-after-trump-endorsement ### 2026-05-20: Democrats Lead Texas Senate Race as Polls Show Talarico Ahead of Paxton Polls show Democrat James Talarico leading Texas Senate race over Republican Ken Paxton, a shift not seen since 2002. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/democrats-lead-texas-senate-race-as-polls-show-talarico-ahead-of-paxton ### 2026-05-20: Trump backs Ken Paxton in Texas Senate runoff as GOP feud intensifies Trump backs Ken Paxton over John Cornyn in Texas Senate runoff; GOP chair calls for ending negative ads as the costly race heads to a May 26 vote. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/trump-backs-ken-paxton-in-texas-senate-runoff-as-gop-feud-intensifies ### 2026-05-18: Trump Endorses Ken Paxton in Texas Senate Runoff Trump backs Ken Paxton over John Cornyn in Texas Senate runoff, highlighting his sway in GOP primaries. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/trump-endorses-ken-paxton-in-texas-senate-runoff ### 2026-05-10: Texas Senate runoff pits Cornyn against Paxton as Trump endorsement hangs Cornyn and Paxton battle in Texas Senate runoff, eyeing Trump’s undecided endorsement. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/texas-senate-runoff-pits-cornyn-against-paxton-as-trump-endorsement-hangs ### 2026-05-05: Ken Paxton faces fundraising shortfall before Texas Senate runoff Ken Paxton trails in fundraising to Senator John Cornyn and Democrat James Talarico despite a poll lead in Texas Senate runoff. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ken-paxton-faces-fundraising-shortfall-before-texas-senate-runoff --- Cite as: Texas 2026 Senate race: GOP spending surge and Talarico's Sc. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/texas-senate-runoff-between-cornyn-and-paxton-highlighted-by-fundraising-gap-and-undecided-trump-end