Texas Senate race tightens as Republicans worry over state's future

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 24 Oct, 18:20 · Archive

Democrat James Talarico is polling ahead of Republican Ken Paxton in Texas's Senate race, prompting Republican warnings about the election's national implications.

Democrat James Talarico is running neck-and-neck with, and at times pulling ahead of, Republican Ken Paxton in Texas's Senate race. A Texas Public Opinion Research poll conducted last week put Talarico at 51 per cent to Paxton's 47 per cent.

Texas governor Greg Abbott issued a warning to Republicans about the race's national significance. Speaking to conservative radio host Sean Hannity, Abbott said: 'If we lose Texas, there's no chance ever for the future of the United States.' He urged Republicans to vote, warning that staying home would 'put Texas at risk' and 'put the United States at risk.' Abbott and Hannity agreed that if Texas were to elect a Democrat, Republicans would face near-impossible odds of winning the White House in 2028.

Neil Bush, son of former President George H.W. Bush, has voted for Talarico. In a Facebook post, he cited 'deep concern about Ken Paxton's record' and 'genuine admiration for the character and principles' he sees in Talarico. Bush expressed worry about 'a political culture in which loyalty to an individual takes precedence over loyalty to principle', an apparent reference to Donald Trump's influence within the Republican Party. He wrote that Trump and his enablers have 'done enormous damage to the Republican Party'.

How it is being reported

• Bush dynasty delivers another blow to GOP in Texas Senate battle as family member breaks ranksNeil Bush revealed he voted for Democrat James Talarico over Ken Paxton, citing deep concerns about Trump's influence on the Republican Party.Fox News · 24 Oct, 18:00
• Greg Abbott warns Democrat victory in Texas could spell disaster for Republicans' White House hopes… as James Talarico pulls ahead of Ken Paxton in pollsRecent polling has shown Democrat James Talarico taking a lead over Trump-backed Republican Ken Paxton - and conservative fears of a 'blue wave' victory taking control of Congress are spiking.Daily Mail · 24 Oct, 02:15

In this story: James Talarico · Ken Paxton · Greg Abbott · Neil Bush · Donald Trump · Texas

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