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Breaking Texas Early Voting Says About Talarico vs. Paxton Race
Newsweek • • nation
Key Points:
- Texas is experiencing a significant surge in early voting, with over 4.5 million ballots cast since early voting began, driven by a competitive U.S. Senate race between Democrat James Talarico and Republican Ken Paxton.
- Early voting turnout is up 74% compared to the 2022 midterms, with nearly 24% of registered voters having voted early, particularly high in major counties like Harris, Dallas, and Tarrant.
- Polls indicate a tight race, with RealClearPolitics averaging Talarico slightly ahead by 1.5 points, while individual polls show a near tie, reflecting an unusually competitive contest in a traditionally Republican state.
- The race has attracted massive spending, totaling nearly $490 million, making it the second-most expensive nonpresidential race ever, with billionaire Elon Musk contributing substantially to groups supporting Paxton.
- Analysts suggest the close contest is boosting voter engagement and turnout, with Democrats potentially holding an enthusiasm advantage despite Texas’s longstanding Republican dominance in statewide elections.
