The U.S. Senate race between Democrat James Talarico and Republican Ken Paxton is heating up in Texas. Talarico. FILE - At left, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks in McKinney, Texas, May 19, 2026, and at right, Texas state Rep. James Talarico, after voting, in Austin, Texas, Feb. James Talarico attends a Harris County Democratic Party canvass launch Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, in Houston./Houston Chronicle via AP).