Monday, September 28, 2026Get the morning email

The Likely

The news, and what's likely next.

Politics

Texas Senate poll shows Talarico leading Paxton among likely voters

In the Texas Senate race, a new BIG DATA POLL released September 27 found James Talarico leading Ken Paxton 44.6% to 41.6% among likely voters.

Why it mattersTalarico holds a narrow edge despite conservative super PACs deploying $98.5 million to counter his early campaign spending advantage.

How we got here

  1. A proposed Rio Grande Valley debate date passed while Paxton's campaign went silent about organizing it. Usatoday, Wfaa
  2. BIG DATA POLL began fielding a survey in Texas. Bigdatapoll
  3. BIG DATA POLL published its September Texas Senate poll, showing Talarico ahead of Paxton among likely voters on the initial ballot. Bigdatapoll
  4. A proposed debate was scheduled in Dallas, but Paxton had not committed to participating. Usatoday, Wisevoter
  5. A proposed debate was scheduled in Austin, though Paxton had not committed to participating. Usatoday, Wisevoter
  6. In-person early voting began in Texas. Gov

What's likely next

  1. October 19–30: In-person early voting in Texas.

All coverage

Something wrong or missing? Tell us.

More in Politics