Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) is sounding the alarm for his party, warning that Democrat James Talarico has a legitimate shot at unseating state Attorney General Ken Paxton in November’s Senate race. In a pointed exchange on Sean Hannity’s radio show, where Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) served as guest host, Cruz acknowledged that the contest is far from a safe bet for Republicans.
“Unfortunately, I do think he has a real chance,” Cruz said, referring to Talarico. “I think this is a real race. I think it’s going to be close. I think we’re going to win, I think we’re going to keep Texas red, but the polling right now shows this is a 1- or 2-point race.”
Recent surveys confirm the race is a toss-up between Talarico and Paxton, a development that has rattled GOP strategists. Talarico’s campaign has raised a staggering $30 million in the second quarter of this year alone—more than triple what Paxton pulled in during the same period. That fundraising edge underscores the energy behind the Democratic challenger, who has positioned himself as a moderate alternative.
Cruz didn’t hold back in criticizing Talarico’s record, labeling the Austin lawmaker as “radical” and “extreme.” He pointed to Talarico’s past comments, including calling God “non-binary” and his broader views on gender, as evidence of a leftward tilt. But Cruz also warned that Talarico’s demeanor could be a liability for Republicans. “This guy is also charming,” Cruz said. “He is affable, he sounds like a preacher, and I worry about the voters who may not be paying close attention to the issues, who just turn on the TV and say, ‘Oh, he seems like a nice young man.’”
Abbott struck a more confident tone, downplaying the risk. “I personally think Talarico is going to be very beatable once Texans get to know who he really is,” the governor said. The race has drawn national attention, with groups like the ACLU pouring $25 million into key state races and ballot measures for the midterms, signaling high stakes beyond Texas.
Talarico, a state representative since 2018, secured the Democratic nomination after a heated primary against Rep. Jasmine Crockett. He now faces Paxton, who defeated incumbent Sen. John Cornyn in the GOP primary after earning former President Donald Trump’s endorsement. The seat opened up after Cornyn was ousted, setting the stage for a November showdown that could reshape Texas’s political landscape.
The race is unfolding against a backdrop of broader national dynamics, including ongoing debates over immigration and border security. Abbott’s recent probe into a Texas hospital over birth tourism claims has also kept the state in the headlines, while Trump’s praise for Toyota’s $3.6 billion Texas expansion highlights the interplay of policy and politics.
With Paxton and Talarico neck-and-neck in the polls, and Cruz’s public warning, the Texas Senate race is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched contests of the cycle. Both campaigns are expected to intensify spending and messaging in the coming months, as each side vies for a critical seat that could tip the balance of power in Washington.
