Trump Rally for Paxton May Backfire, Poll Shows Talarico Ahead in Texas

A new Fox News poll suggests President Trump's rally for Ken Paxton may be helping his Democratic opponent, James Talarico, in the Texas Senate race. The survey found most voters are concerned about Paxton's close relationship with Trump. The poll shows Talarico leading Paxton by 2 points, 51% to 49%, within the margin of error. It found 51% of voters are "extremely" or "very" concerned about Paxton's ties to Trump, with 22% of non-MAGA Republicans backing Talarico. Paxton, impeached in 2023 but acquitted, faces Talarico, who supports an "AI Dividend" and marijuana legalization. Leaked audio suggests Paxton privately said Trump's convention appearance hurt his numbers. Democrats last won a Texas Senate seat in 1988.