Texas Senate Race: Talarico Faces Tight Contest Against Cornyn or Paxton
In Texas, the Republican U.S. Senate primary runoff is nearing its conclusion, with early in-person voting ending on Friday. The runoff features Senator John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton, with the winner set to face Democrat James Talarico in the November general election. This race is historically significant as Texas has not elected a Democrat to statewide office since 1994. Recent polls and prediction markets indicate a highly competitive race, with Talarico having a realistic chance of flipping the state. Political betting markets, such as Kalshi, show Republicans with a narrow 55 percent probability of retaining the Senate seat, while Talarico holds a 45 percent chance. The race is considered a toss-up, a notable situation in a state that has not elected a Democratic senator since 1988. 
