Politics · November 3, 2026
James Talarico’s final crowd size compared to Ken Paxton: In photos
Part of: Texas Senate: Paxton vs. Talarico →FreeGet stories like this compared, every morning at 7.
In the final hours before the Texas Senate midterm election, Attorney General Ken Paxton and state Representative James Talarico held their concluding campaign events. Paxton addressed supporters in Conroe and Allen, framing the election as a critical moment for the 'Texas way of life,' while Talarico concluded his campaign in Austin. This contest marks one of the most closely watched Senate races in decades, with Republicans seeking to maintain a seat vital to their majority and Democrats aiming for their first statewide victory in Texas since 1988. Two final polls ahead of Election Day showed Talarico leading by approximately 6 to 7 percentage points, though the race remains highly competitive given Texas's historical Republican lean.
Read the original coverage
- Washington ExaminerMBFC: Right-Center
Paxton makes closing pitch to an anxious GOP — and even some opponents
Read at Washington Examiner ↗ - ReasonMBFC: Right-Center
A Ken Paxton Moment
Read at Reason ↗ - NewsweekMBFC: Right-Center
James Talarico’s final crowd size compared to Ken Paxton: In photos
Read at Newsweek ↗
Reported across the spectrum
- Ken Paxton held campaign rallies in Allen and Conroe on Monday.
- James Talarico held his final campaign event in Austin.
- The race is for an open Senate seat in Texas.
- Texas has not elected a Democratic senator since 1988.
- The election has national implications for control of the U.S. Senate.
Reported by only some outlets
- Two polls released before Tuesday showed James Talarico with leads of 5.9 and 7 percentage points.
- A few hundred supporters attended Paxton's closing events in Conroe and Allen.
- Paxton described the election as a choice where 'Texas way of life' is at stake.
- Republicans currently hold a 53-47 Senate advantage.
- One attendee at a Paxton event was a Talarico voter who attended out of curiosity.
Right-leaning outlets tend to emphasize…
portray the election as an existential struggle for the 'Texas way of life'; focus on Paxton's personal connection to the locations of his final rallies and the 'cautious optimism' of his supporters.
Where coverage diverges
Single-perspective coverage; cross-spectrum comparison limited.
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