Polling High Importance

Cornyn, Paxton in dead heat with Talarico as early voting begins for Texas Senate GOP runoff: Poll

Source: The Hill May 18, 2026 at 8:43 PM (1 weeks ago) Texas Senate Race

A new poll shows the winner of the Texas GOP Senate runoff between incumbent Sen. John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton will face a highly competitive general election against Democratic nominee James Talarico. Early voting has begun for the Republican primary runoff, with both candidates in a dead heat according to the survey from Texas Southern University.

Key Points

  • Cornyn and Paxton are essentially tied in the GOP runoff as early voting commences
  • The eventual Republican nominee faces a closely contested general election matchup against Democrat Talarico
  • Poll conducted by Barbara Jordan Public Policy Research and Survey Center at Texas Southern University