Republicans are facing an unexpectedly tough battle in Texas as Democrats seek major gains in the 2026 US midterm elections. The biggest contest is the Senate race between Democrat James Talarico and Republican Ken Paxton. Talarico hopes to become the first Democrat elected to the US Senate from Texas since 1988. With immigration, rising living costs and Donald Trump's policies shaping the campaign, can Democrats break the Republicans' decades-long dominance in Texas?