A new CBS News/YouGov poll shows the US Senate contest in Texas between Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico as effectively a dead heat, with the outcome likely to depend on turnout. CBS News said Paxton benefits from the state's Republican lean, while Talarico is helped by voter concern over the cost of living, which respondents ranked as their top issue.
According to the poll, more voters see Talarico as having the right character for the job, and he leads among Latino voters, who swung towards Donald Trump in 2024. Paxton's support comes largely from Republicans backing their party's nominee and the president, and the administration's deportation policy is more popular in Texas than nationally. Talarico also relies on strong turnout from younger voters. In the governor's race, the incumbent Greg Abbott holds an edge over Democrat Gina Hinojosa.
Source: CBS News