The Texas GOP’s decision to nominate Attorney General Ken Paxton over longtime Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) is reigniting one of the Democratic Party’s most persistent political debates: whether Texas is finally becoming competitive enough to justify a massive Senate investment.

Texas Democrat James Talarico launched his general election campaign for the U.S. Senate Wednesday by framing his Republican opponent, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, as a member of the corrupt elite more than promoting his own policy agenda.

Texas' Ken Paxton and James Talarico focus their energies — and attack ads — on each other as the fight for U.S. Senate narrows to two.

James Talarico is completely unbothered that Ken Paxton, his November opponent for a U.S. Senate seat, is referring to him as “Talafreako.” His team made T-shirts with the new moniker. He also doesn’t mind that Paxton has referred to him as a vegan,

Ken Paxton's family has been in the spotlight throughout his bid for U.S. Senate. After 38 years of marriage, Angela filed for divorce from Ken on "biblical grounds" in July 2025. The former couple, who got married in 1986,

Paxton’s blowout win on Tuesday compelled an alliance by necessity, if not natural synergy, between the attorney general and the Washington groups that spent months trying to elect John Cornyn.