Democratic candidate James Talarico has a slight lead over his Republican opponent, Ken Paxton, in the contentious U.S. Senate race in Texas, according to a new poll.
Talarico, the Texas state Representative, holds a 48% to 44% lead over Paxton, the state Attorney General, in an AARP poll of nearly 900 likely voters released on Sept.10. The survey conducted from Aug. 30 to Sept. 1 has a margin of error of 3.3%.
The poll by the AARP, the nonprofit, nonpartisan advocate for 125 million Americans age 50 and older, is comparable to a N+ Univision poll released last week that showed Talarico ahead 48% to 43%, with 7% undecided. That survey of 1,000 Texas voters conducted Aug. 27 to Sept. 4 showed Talarico leading in aclose-watched contest that the nonpartisan Cook
Political Report now calls a true toss-up.
Paxton leads among older voters in AARP poll
While Talarico has gained wider support in the AARP survey, Paxton leads Talarico 53% to 40% among Texas voters 50 and older, a 13% difference. The poll said 84% of voters age 50 and older were "extremely" motivated to vote, compared to 70% of voters under the age of 50.
Like many Americans, the rising cost of everyday goods, including groceries, health care, and gasoline, remains a top concern for Texas voters, the poll said. Among voters polled who are 50 and older, Social Security, Medicare, and policies that assist older adults stay independent at home are also major priorities.
Nearly 60% of those polled say Social Security is or will become a major source of their household income, while majorities polled say they're more likely to support candidates who protect earned Social Security benefits, expand Medicare prescription drug price negotiations, and support family caregivers.
AARP poll released after Texas GOP midterm convention, 'Talafreako' chants
The AARP poll release comes days after a first-ever Republican midterm convention in Dallas, and President Donald Trump and other GOP members repeatedly referred to Talarico as "Talafreako," a nickname Paxton frequently used.
Although Trump is reaching record-level unpopularity according to numerous polls, he urged his Republican supporters at the two-day event to take a pledge and vote for Paxton in numbers that helped him win the presidency twice.
"I'm asking you to pretend that I'm on the ballot," Trump said. "I'm on the ballot just one more time."
Meanwhile, Talarico is apparently capitalizing on the unflattering monikerby selling "I’m A Talafreako" shirts, which are now available through his campaign's online store. Prices for the shirts, available in black and white, start at $36. The Democratic Senate candidate mentioned the nickname during his recent interview with talk show host Jimmy Kimmel.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Talarico leads Paxton in tight Texas Senate race, new poll shows
