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James Talarico Narrowly Leads in Texas

October 22, 2026 · 6:37 am ET · Leave a Comment

A new Nexstar Media/Emerson College Polling poll finds James Talarico (D) leading Ken Paxton (R) in the U.S. Senate race, 48% to 46%, with Ted Brown (L) at 1%.

Senate Race
James Talarico (D) 48%
 
Ken Paxton (R) 46%
 
Nexstar Media/Emerson College Polling poll · likely voters · ±3%

The same poll finds Greg Abbott (R) leading Gina Hinojosa (D) in the governor’s race, 49% to 45%, with Pat Dixon (L) at 1%.

Governor’s Race
Greg Abbott (R) 49%
 
Gina Hinojosa (D) 45%
 
Nexstar Media/Emerson College Polling poll · likely voters · ±3%

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Taegan Goddard is the founder of Political Wire -- which for more than two decades has been one of the nation's most influential political news sites.

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