A new poll shows the U.S. Senate race in Texas at a dead heat.
The poll from Emerson College Polling/Nexstar Media Texas found 47% of voters backing Democrat James Talarico in the race compared to 46% for Republican Ken Paxton. The poll, released Thursday, Sept. 17, surveyed 1,000 likely Texas voters between Sept. 12 and Sept. 14.
Since August, the poll found that metrics have shifted only nominally, with Talarico gaining one point and Paxton losing one point.
As has been the case throughout the race, Hispanic voters continue to swing for Talarico.
“Texas Hispanic voters, who broke for Trump in 2024, now break for Talarico by 15 points, 54% to 39%,” said Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, in a news release. “These voters disapprove
of the president 53% to 41%, and 51% think the state is on the wrong track rather than the right direction.”
Talarico continues to lead in favorability, with 48% of voters giving him a favorable rating versus 42% unfavorable, while Paxton remains underwater with 40% of respondents viewing him favorably and 48% unfavorable.
The poll found that the economy is the top issue among both Republicans and Democrats — overall, 36% of respondents cited the economy as the number one concern ahead of the Nov. 3 General Election, 38% of Republicans and 37% of Democrats. Meanwhile, 14% said immigration is the top concern, followed by education (12%), healthcare (11%) and threats to Democracy (11%).
Adam Powell covers government and politics for the El Paso Times and can be reached via email at apowell@elpasotimes.com.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Talarico outpaces Paxton among Hispanic voters in Texas US Senate race
