EXCLUSIVE: As Democrats salivate over an elusive statewide victory in Texas, Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton says he is undeterred by recent polling showing his Democratic opponent James Talarico holding a slim lead.Democrats believe this is their moment to finally flip Texas blue after decades of frustrated efforts.Such an upset would be devastating for the GOP’s chances of retaining a Senate majority.
Speaking with Fox News Digital after a rally in Houston, Paxton said Talarico’s current lead is "not surprising" given "we were three months behind" after his primary runoff with incumbent Sen.John Cornyn."He had three months to fundraise.
So, he's been spending $2 million a week to gain that advance," Paxton said.Despite this, Paxton, who currently serves as Texas’ attorney general, said that, come Election Day, he is confident Texans will reject the "real James Talarico" when they hear about his record.
Talarico, a state Democratic lawmaker, has a history of controversial statements, including previously asserting that "God is nonbinary," that there are six sexes, and calling it "existential" to reduce meat consumption to fight climate change."I do not believe a poll that tells me that, ‘We don't care what he believes.We don't care that he voted for a state income tax.
We don't care that he wanted to trans children.We don't care that he's against the oil and gas industry.
We don't care that he voted against every border security bill,’" Paxton continued."I don't believe a poll that says Texans don't care about those issues.
I've done enough polling; I've been in this long enough that that's just not true."JAMES TALARICO ADMITS PAST COMMENTS 'MISSED THE MARK' WHEN CONFRONTED ON CLAIMS LIKE GOD IS 'NON-BINARY'Left: Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico speaks during a press conference at the Hyatt Centric Congress Avenue on July 22, 2026 in Austin, Texas.Right: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton waves at the conclusion of a campaign event ...