Politics · October 27, 2026
What Record-Breaking Texas Early Voting Says About Talarico vs. Paxton Race
Part of: Texas Senate: Paxton vs. Talarico →
A U.S. Senate race in Texas between Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico has reached its final days amid record-breaking early voting numbers. More than 4.5 million Texans have cast ballots since early voting began, marking a 74 percent increase compared to the same period in the 2022 midterm elections. Political analysts suggest the high turnout is driven by perceptions of a close contest, as Democrats seek to win their first statewide election in Texas in over three decades. While Republican rallies show strong participation, some attendees indicate their motivation is rooted more in opposition to the Democratic candidate or support for Senator Ted Cruz than in personal enthusiasm for Paxton.
Read the original coverage
- NewsweekMBFC: Right-Center
What record-breaking Texas early voting says about the Talarico vs. Paxton race
Read at Newsweek ↗ - Washington ExaminerMBFC: Right-Center
For some, defeating Talarico matters more than electing Paxton
Read at Washington Examiner ↗ - ReasonMBFC: Right-Center
Ken Paxton Survived Indictment, Impeachment, and Scandal. Can He Survive a Senate Race?
Read at Reason ↗
Reported across the spectrum
- James Talarico and Ken Paxton are the candidates for the U.S. Senate seat in Texas
- Early voting in Texas has seen more than 4.5 million ballots cast as of Monday
- The U.S. Senate race in Texas is considered a close contest
- Democrats have not won a statewide election in Texas for 32 years
Reported by only some outlets
- Early voting is up 74 percent compared to the same point in the 2022 midterms
- Texas has a record 19 million registered voters
- Senator Ted Cruz has been campaigning alongside Ken Paxton
- Technological issues delayed the processing of thousands of voter records shortly before early voting began
- Ken Paxton faced a hurdle when a Saturday rally venue was changed
Right-leaning outlets tend to emphasize…
highlight voter motivations rooted in 'distaste' for the Democratic opponent and emphasize the importance of keeping Texas Republican 'at any cost'
Where coverage diverges
Single-perspective coverage; cross-spectrum comparison limited.
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