Texas voters have a major decision ahead of them this November, and the race for U.S. Senate is shaping up to be anything but predictable.
Republican Ken Paxton, Democrat James Talarico and Libertarian Ted Brown are seeking the seat currently held by longtime Republican Sen. John Cornyn. With early voting beginning Monday, Oct. 19, and Election Day set for Nov. 3, the candidates are making their final pitches to voters across the Lone Star State.
The contest has drawn national attention, particularly as Democrats see an opportunity to end more than three decades of Republican dominance in Texas statewide elections. Recent polling suggests the race between Paxton and Talarico could be decided by a narrow margin.
Here's a closer look at the candidates, their backgrounds and what they're bringing to the race.
Ken Paxton — Republican
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is no stranger to political battles, and his campaign for U.S. Senate has been one of the most closely watched Republican contests in the country.
Paxton secured the Republican nomination after defeating incumbent Sen. John Cornyn in a primary runoff, bringing an end to Cornyn's bid for another term.
A longtime conservative figure, Paxton has built his political reputation on challenging Democratic administrations, fighting federal regulations and supporting President Donald Trump's political agenda.
His campaign emphasizes border security, immigration enforcement, conservative social policies and limiting the federal government's reach.
Paxton also enters the general election carrying political baggage. He was impeached by the Texas House in 2023 over allegations involving abuse of office but was subsequently acquitted by the Texas Senate. His legal and personal controversies have remained part of the conversation surrounding his candidacy.
For Republican voters, Paxton offers an aggressive conservative approach. His challenge now is holding the GOP base while attracting independents and suburban voters who could determine the outcome.
James Talarico — Democrat
Democratic state Rep. James Talarico is hoping to accomplish something his party hasn't done in more than three decades: win a statewide election in Texas.
The Austin-area lawmaker has emerged as a prominent Democratic voice, combining his Christian faith with a campaign focused on economic opportunity, affordability and political reform.
Talarico has made the rising cost of living a central campaign issue, arguing that working Texans are being squeezed while wealthy interests maintain too much influence in Washington.
His message also seeks to reach beyond traditional Democratic voters, particularly independents and Republicans dissatisfied with the direction of their party.
The campaign has attracted substantial fundraising support, helping Talarico compete in an expensive statewide advertising battle.
But winning Texas remains a difficult task for any Democrat. Talarico needs strong turnout in major metropolitan areas while making gains among suburban and rural voters.
Recent surveys have given him a narrow advantage over Paxton, although the margins remain close enough that neither candidate can claim a secure lead.
Ted Brown — Libertarian
While Paxton and Talarico have dominated headlines, Libertarian Ted Brown is offering Texans a third choice.
Brown has a background in insurance adjusting and has served in leadership roles within the Libertarian Party, including as vice chair of the party's Travis County organization.
His political approach centers on individual liberty, reducing government intervention and protecting constitutional freedoms.
Brown's candidacy appeals to voters who favor smaller government but may not feel represented by either major political party.
Although he faces a steep financial and organizational disadvantage, third-party candidates can become important in closely contested elections.
Even a relatively small share of the vote could matter if Paxton and Talarico finish within a few percentage points of each other.
Other Candidates Seeking Write-In Votes
Four independent candidates are also registered as write-in candidates: Avery Ayers, Bradford Hall, Zul Mohamed and Jade Simmons.
Unlike Paxton, Talarico and Brown, their names do not appear as printed choices on the statewide U.S. Senate ballot. Voters wishing to support an eligible write-in candidate must follow Texas' write-in voting procedures.
Why This Race Matters
Texas has not elected a Democrat to the U.S. Senate since 1988, making the 2026 contest especially significant.
The outcome could also help determine which party controls the U.S. Senate and how much influence President Trump has over legislation and federal appointments during the remainder of his term.
A University of Texas/Texas Politics Project poll released in October showed Talarico leading Paxton 50% to 47%, a difference within the survey's margin of error.
For voters, the choice extends beyond party labels. Immigration, economic pressures, taxes, federal spending and the future direction of Washington are all part of the debate.
Early voting runs from Oct. 19 through Oct. 30, with Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
