At a New York Times focus group, some participants called Republican Senate nominee Ken Paxton a “crook” or “morally corrupt.” All 12 voted for Trump in 2024 and are considering a vote for Democrat James Talarico or sitting out, though not all favor him.
Some participants described Talarico as “fresh,” “inspiring” or “new”; others called him “ineffective” or “neutral,” and one Republican said she disagreed with his morals. Seven of the 12 said they would vote for incumbent Sen. John Cornyn over Talarico if Cornyn were the Republican nominee.
Trump endorsed Paxton over Cornyn in the Republican primary. Paxton was impeached in 2023 and indicted on state securities fraud charges. The latest poll results give Talarico a slight lead in the close Senate race, which could decide control of the chamber in November.
