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Texas · U.S. Senate · Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Ken Paxton vs. James Talarico

Portrait of Ken Paxton

Ken Paxton

Republican Party

Attorney General of Texas since January 2015; not seeking re-election to that office, and his current term ends Jan. 1, 2027.

Portrait of James Talarico

James Talarico

Democratic Party

Member of the Texas House of Representatives for District 50 since January 2023, after representing District 52 from 2018 to 2023; his term ends in January 2027 and he is not seeking re-election to the House.

Also on the ballot: Ted Brown (Libertarian Party). Who’s on the ballot

About this race

Last reviewed October 19, 2026 · 89 sources · Report an error

PaxtonKen Paxton(R)

TalaricoJames Talarico(D)

Positions at a glance

Each candidate’s documented position on 6 of this race’s issues, in a sentence. Select an issue for the evidence and every source.

Economy & Taxes

Ken Paxton

Proposes tax deductions, a doubled child tax credit and permanent Trump accounts; privately said deficit reduction requires "reasonable cuts to mandatory spending," later saying he would protect Social Security.

Based on campaign proposal, public statement3 sourcesPaxton unveils economic plan tied to tax breaks in Senate race (opens in a new tab)The Texas Tribune · July 31, 2026 · NewsTexas U.S. Senator — VOTE411 Voter Guide (opens in a new tab)League of Women Voters Education Fund (VOTE411) · 2026 · Candidate questionnaire“We have to suck it up”: Ken Paxton privately suggests cutting federal benefit programs to reduce national deficit (opens in a new tab)The Texas Tribune · Oct. 8, 2026 · News

James Talarico

Proposes what he calls a cost-of-living tax cut, paid for with higher taxes on large corporations and the wealthiest Americans.

Based on campaign proposal3 sourcesJames Talarico on Taxes & Cost of Living (opens in a new tab)Talarico for Texas · CampaignJames Talarico (opens in a new tab)Ballotpedia · ReferenceTexas U.S. Senator — VOTE411 Voter Guide (opens in a new tab)League of Women Voters Education Fund (VOTE411) · 2026 · Candidate questionnaire

Government & Democracy

Ken Paxton

Backs the SAVE America Act's proof-of-citizenship and photo ID rules and faulted Sen. John Cornyn for opposing ending the filibuster to pass it; in 2020 sought to sue four states over election procedures.

Based on public statement, past action4 sourcesTexas U.S. Senator — VOTE411 Voter Guide (opens in a new tab)League of Women Voters Education Fund (VOTE411) · 2026 · Candidate questionnairePaxton says he’d consider dropping out of Senate runoff if Republicans pass voter ID bill (opens in a new tab)The Texas Tribune, via Houston Public Media · March 6, 2026 · NewsTexas v. Pennsylvania, Georgia, Michigan and Wisconsin: Motion for Leave to File Bill of Complaint (docket No. 22O155) (opens in a new tab)Supreme Court of the United States · Dec. 7, 2020 · Court recordOrder List (592 U.S.), Friday, December 11, 2020: 155, Orig., Texas v. Pennsylvania, et al. (opens in a new tab)Supreme Court of the United States · Dec. 11, 2020 · Court record

James Talarico

Proposes banning super PACs, corporate PACs and partisan gerrymandering, capping campaign contributions, banning stock trading by members of Congress, and passing the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.

Based on campaign proposal, past action5 sourcesJames Talarico on Corruption & Democracy (opens in a new tab)Talarico for Texas · CampaignTexas U.S. Senator — VOTE411 Voter Guide (opens in a new tab)League of Women Voters Education Fund (VOTE411) · 2026 · Candidate questionnaireTexas attorney general sues to remove 13 House Democrats from office (opens in a new tab)The Dallas Morning News · Aug. 8, 2025 · NewsTexas Supreme Court Rejects Abbott, Paxton Petition to Remove Democratic Quorum-Breakers from Office (opens in a new tab)The Texan · May 19, 2026 · NewsDemocrat Gene Wu can keep House seat, Texas Supreme Court rules (opens in a new tab)The Texas Tribune · May 15, 2026 · News

Immigration

Ken Paxton

Proposes completing the border wall and deporting immigrants in the country illegally; called plans for border construction in Big Bend National Park "not smart border security."

Based on campaign proposal, public statement3 sourcesThe Fight at Hand (opens in a new tab)Ken Paxton for Senate · CampaignTexas U.S. Senator — VOTE411 Voter Guide (opens in a new tab)League of Women Voters Education Fund (VOTE411) · 2026 · Candidate questionnaireTexas U.S. Senate 2026: Paxton, Talarico and Brown on the issues (opens in a new tab)The Texas Tribune · Oct. 13, 2026 · News

James Talarico

Supports more Border Patrol agents, port-of-entry technology and immigration judges, combined with a path to citizenship for long-term residents, spouses and DREAMers.

Based on campaign proposal, public statement4 sourcesJames Talarico on Immigration & Border Security (opens in a new tab)Talarico for Texas · Jan. 2, 2026 · CampaignTexas U.S. Senator — VOTE411 Voter Guide (opens in a new tab)League of Women Voters Education Fund (VOTE411) · 2026 · Candidate questionnaireTalarico tackles abortion, faith and ‘conspiracy theories’: Takeaways from the CNN & Jubilee town hall (opens in a new tab)CNN · Oct. 14, 2026 · NewsTexas U.S. Senate 2026: Paxton, Talarico and Brown on the issues (opens in a new tab)The Texas Tribune · Oct. 13, 2026 · News

Energy & Climate

Ken Paxton

Supports permanently repealing the federal gas tax and increasing oil and gas production; his data center plan backs the DATA Act and ending Texas sales tax breaks for data centers.

Based on campaign proposal3 sourcesTexas U.S. Senate 2026: Paxton, Talarico and Brown on the issues (opens in a new tab)The Texas Tribune · Oct. 13, 2026 · NewsPaxton and Talarico each promise relief from rising energy costs (opens in a new tab)Capital & Main, via The Texas Tribune · Oct. 18, 2026 · NewsPaxton promises to ban Chinese technology and chatbots that endanger children in data center platform (opens in a new tab)The Texas Tribune · Aug. 24, 2026 · News

James Talarico

Supports an energy approach that includes oil, gas and renewables, a temporary suspension of the federal gas tax, and requiring data centers to pay for grid upgrades they need.

Based on campaign proposal, public statement3 sourcesJames Talarico on Energy, the Texas Grid & Utility Bills (opens in a new tab)Talarico for Texas · Jan. 2, 2026 · CampaignPaxton and Talarico each promise relief from rising energy costs (opens in a new tab)Capital & Main, via The Texas Tribune · Oct. 18, 2026 · NewsTexas U.S. Senate 2026: Paxton, Talarico and Brown on the issues (opens in a new tab)The Texas Tribune · Oct. 13, 2026 · News

Healthcare

Ken Paxton

Proposes a $25,000 tax deduction for out-of-pocket medical costs including premiums and a $5,000 healthy-lifestyle deduction; pledges to take on pharmaceutical and food companies and increase health care transparency.

Based on campaign proposal3 sourcesPaxton unveils economic plan tied to tax breaks in Senate race (opens in a new tab)The Texas Tribune · July 31, 2026 · NewsThe Fight at Hand (opens in a new tab)Ken Paxton for Senate · CampaignTexas U.S. Senator — VOTE411 Voter Guide (opens in a new tab)League of Women Voters Education Fund (VOTE411) · 2026 · Candidate questionnaire

James Talarico

Proposes letting Americans of any age join Medicare, restoring enhanced ACA tax credits, reversing what his campaign calls Trump administration cuts to Medicare and Medicaid, and capping drug costs.

Based on campaign proposal, past action5 sourcesJames Talarico on Health Care & Prescription Drug Costs (opens in a new tab)Talarico for Texas · Jan. 2, 2026 · CampaignTalarico tackles abortion, faith and ‘conspiracy theories’: Takeaways from the CNN & Jubilee town hall (opens in a new tab)CNN · Oct. 14, 2026 · NewsTexas U.S. Senator — VOTE411 Voter Guide (opens in a new tab)League of Women Voters Education Fund (VOTE411) · 2026 · Candidate questionnaireNew Talarico campaign ad puts spotlight on his role in passing bill that caps insulin costs (opens in a new tab)The Texas Tribune, via KSAT · Jan. 27, 2026 · NewsBill capping insulin prices in Texas passes House, Senate (opens in a new tab)Houston Chronicle (Chron.com) · May 25, 2021 · News

Housing

Ken Paxton

Proposes a $50,000 tax deduction for first-time homebuyers and a $50,000 deduction on down payments for people moving to a new primary residence.

Based on campaign proposalSourcePaxton unveils economic plan tied to tax breaks in Senate race (opens in a new tab)The Texas Tribune · July 31, 2026 · News

James Talarico

Proposes expanding the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and repealing regulations he says hinder home construction; his campaign says he would ban Wall Street from buying up housing stock.

Based on campaign proposal, past action4 sourcesJames Talarico on Taxes & Cost of Living (opens in a new tab)Talarico for Texas · CampaignJames Talarico (opens in a new tab)Ballotpedia · Reference89(R) History for SB 2835 (opens in a new tab)Texas Legislature Online · 2025 · Legislative record89(R) SB 2835 - Committee Report (Unamended) version - Bill Analysis (opens in a new tab)Texas Legislature Online · 2025 · Legislative record

2 more issues (abortion, foreign policy) under Where they stand.

Background & experience

Biography, education, career and public offices, from official biographies, reference works and news reporting.

Current role

Ken Paxton

Attorney General of Texas since January 2015; not seeking re-election to that office, and his current term ends Jan. 1, 2027.

2 sourcesAbout the Attorney General (opens in a new tab)Office of the Attorney General of Texas · GovernmentKen Paxton (opens in a new tab)Ballotpedia · Reference

James Talarico

Member of the Texas House of Representatives for District 50 since January 2023, after representing District 52 from 2018 to 2023; his term ends in January 2027 and he is not seeking re-election to the House.

4 sourcesMember profile for James Talarico (opens in a new tab)Legislative Reference Library of Texas · ReferenceJames Talarico (opens in a new tab)Ballotpedia · ReferenceJames Talarico (opens in a new tab)Teach the Vote (Association of Texas Professional Educators) · Reference2026 Ballot Certification (opens in a new tab)Texas Secretary of State · Aug. 28, 2026 · Election office

Age on Election Day

Ken Paxton

63 · born December 23, 1962, Minot, North Dakota

SourceKen Paxton, Jr. Biography (Texas House of Representatives biographical sketch, 82nd Legislature) (opens in a new tab)Texas House of Representatives, via the Legislative Reference Library of Texas · Feb. 23, 2011 · Government

James Talarico

37 · born May 17, 1989, Round Rock, Texas

2 sourcesJames Talarico (opens in a new tab)Lex (Danish national encyclopedia) · Oct. 14, 2026 · ReferenceRep. Talarico, James: Biography (opens in a new tab)Texas House of Representatives · Government

Education

Ken Paxton

James Talarico

Career

Ken Paxton

James Talarico

Public office

Elected and appointed positions

Ken Paxton

James Talarico

Campaign website

Ken Paxton

kenpaxton.com

James Talarico

jamestalarico.com

Where they stand

Each position is labeled by what it rests on: a campaign proposal, a public statement, a past action such as a vote or lawsuit, or an enacted policy.

Economy & Taxes

Ken Paxton

Proposes tax deductions, a doubled child tax credit and permanent Trump accounts; privately said deficit reduction requires "reasonable cuts to mandatory spending," later saying he would protect Social Security.

Show the evidence (2)

James Talarico

Proposes what he calls a cost-of-living tax cut, paid for with higher taxes on large corporations and the wealthiest Americans.

Show the evidence (1)

Government & Democracy

Ken Paxton

Backs the SAVE America Act's proof-of-citizenship and photo ID rules and faulted Sen. John Cornyn for opposing ending the filibuster to pass it; in 2020 sought to sue four states over election procedures.

Show the evidence (2)

James Talarico

Proposes banning super PACs, corporate PACs and partisan gerrymandering, capping campaign contributions, banning stock trading by members of Congress, and passing the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.

Show the evidence (3)

Immigration

Ken Paxton

Proposes completing the border wall and deporting immigrants in the country illegally; called plans for border construction in Big Bend National Park "not smart border security."

Show the evidence (2)

James Talarico

Supports more Border Patrol agents, port-of-entry technology and immigration judges, combined with a path to citizenship for long-term residents, spouses and DREAMers.

Show the evidence (2)

Energy & Climate

Ken Paxton

Supports permanently repealing the federal gas tax and increasing oil and gas production; his data center plan backs the DATA Act and ending Texas sales tax breaks for data centers.

Show the evidence (2)

James Talarico

Supports an energy approach that includes oil, gas and renewables, a temporary suspension of the federal gas tax, and requiring data centers to pay for grid upgrades they need.

Show the evidence (2)

Healthcare

Ken Paxton

Proposes a $25,000 tax deduction for out-of-pocket medical costs including premiums and a $5,000 healthy-lifestyle deduction; pledges to take on pharmaceutical and food companies and increase health care transparency.

Show the evidence (2)

James Talarico

Proposes letting Americans of any age join Medicare, restoring enhanced ACA tax credits, reversing what his campaign calls Trump administration cuts to Medicare and Medicaid, and capping drug costs.

Show the evidence (2)

Housing

Ken Paxton

Proposes a $50,000 tax deduction for first-time homebuyers and a $50,000 deduction on down payments for people moving to a new primary residence.

Show the evidence (1)

James Talarico

Proposes expanding the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and repealing regulations he says hinder home construction; his campaign says he would ban Wall Street from buying up housing stock.

Show the evidence (2)

Abortion & Reproductive Rights

Share: Abortion & Reproductive Rights

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Ken Paxton

His campaign pledges to "defend the unborn"; as attorney general he sued providers in other states and an Austria-based group over abortion medication allegedly sent to people in Texas.

Show the evidence (2)

James Talarico

Supports federal legislation to codify Roe v. Wade and protect access to contraception and IVF.

Show the evidence (2)

Foreign Policy & Trade

Ken Paxton

Supports President Trump's actions in the war in Iran, saying Iran cannot be allowed to become nuclear, and in 2025 said he fully supported Trump's tariffs.

Show the evidence (2)

James Talarico

Supports a war powers resolution on the Iran war, backing Ukraine and NATO, repealing Trump's tariffs, and halting offensive weapons sales to the Netanyahu government while supporting defensive systems.

Show the evidence (3)

Voting record

Selected recorded roll-call votes on measures tied to this race’s issues, each linked to the official record. Sponsoring a bill is not a vote; sponsorships appear under Track record.

Legislative service

Ken Paxton

Member of the Texas House of Representatives (District 70) from 2003 to 2013 and of the Texas Senate (District 8) from 2013 to 2015. Has not served in Congress.

2 sourcesMember profile for Ken Paxton (Texas Legislators: Past & Present) (opens in a new tab)Legislative Reference Library of Texas · ReferenceKen Paxton (opens in a new tab)Ballotpedia · Reference

James Talarico

Member of the Texas House of Representatives since November 2018 (District 52 until January 2023, District 50 since). Has not served in Congress; the votes listed are Texas House record votes.

SourceMember profile for James Talarico (opens in a new tab)Legislative Reference Library of Texas · Reference

Selected votes

Measures only one of the two candidates voted on.

Ken Paxton

James Talarico

Track record

Legislation, executive and legal actions, and results. Documented items are established by official records or independent reporting; a candidate’s claim is the candidate’s own account.

Notable actions

Ken Paxton

James Talarico

In their own words

Short, verbatim quotations on policy, with where and when they were said. Follow the source for the full context.

Statements

Ken Paxton

  • Cost of living and his economic plan

    My agenda is very simple: I believe every Texan should be able to buy a home, raise a family and live a healthy life without struggling to make ends meet.
    Ken Paxton · Statement and campaign digital ad announcing his economic plan, as reported by The Texas Tribune · July 31, 2026
    SourcePaxton unveils economic plan tied to tax breaks in Senate race (opens in a new tab)The Texas Tribune · July 31, 2026 · News

  • Voting rights legislation

    That’s why I look forward to working to pass the Save America Act that will require voter ID for federal elections; because it will preserve the faith and trust in our electoral process that every citizen deserves.
    Ken Paxton · Written answer to the League of Women Voters' VOTE411 voter guide question on voting rights · 2026
    SourceTexas U.S. Senator — VOTE411 Voter Guide (opens in a new tab)League of Women Voters Education Fund (VOTE411) · 2026 · Candidate questionnaire

  • Immigration system

    The American people deserve an immigration system that upholds public safety and helps our economy.
    Ken Paxton · Written answer to the League of Women Voters' VOTE411 voter guide question on how he would modernize the immigration system · 2026
    SourceTexas U.S. Senator — VOTE411 Voter Guide (opens in a new tab)League of Women Voters Education Fund (VOTE411) · 2026 · Candidate questionnaire

  • War with Iran

    I obviously think we cannot let Iran be nuclear. That would be a disaster for the world. So I am in support of the president.
    Ken Paxton · Answer to a Texas Tribune question on whether he would vote for additional military funding for the war in Iran · Aug. 2026
    SourceTexas U.S. Senate 2026: Paxton, Talarico and Brown on the issues (opens in a new tab)The Texas Tribune · Oct. 13, 2026 · News

James Talarico

  • Cost-of-living tax cut

    I am proposing a cost-of-living tax cut that will expand the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit, restore the ACA Tax Credits, and provide a tariff rebate to Americans who have been paying too much for everything.
    James Talarico · Written answer to Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, submitted Sept. 1, 2026 · Sept. 1, 2026
    SourceJames Talarico (opens in a new tab)Ballotpedia · Reference

  • Voting rights and campaign finance

    In the Senate, I will cap campaign contributions, ban dark money groups and super PACs, and ban partisan gerrymandering so that every American has an equal say in our politics and our policymaking.
    James Talarico · Written answer to the League of Women Voters' VOTE411 voter guide question on voting rights · 2026
    SourceTexas U.S. Senator — VOTE411 Voter Guide (opens in a new tab)League of Women Voters Education Fund (VOTE411) · 2026 · Candidate questionnaire

  • Border security and immigration enforcement

    We must hire more border patrol agents to stop illegal crossings, modernize ports of entry to detect threats before they enter the country, hire more asylum judges to process cases quickly, and focus ICE resources on deporting criminals instead of community members.
    James Talarico · Written answer to the League of Women Voters' VOTE411 voter guide question on how he would modernize the immigration system · 2026
    SourceTexas U.S. Senator — VOTE411 Voter Guide (opens in a new tab)League of Women Voters Education Fund (VOTE411) · 2026 · Candidate questionnaire

  • War with Iran and war powers

    As your senator, I will vote in support of a war powers resolution to put a stop to this reckless war that has left the American and Iranian people all worse off than before it started.
    James Talarico · Written answer to The Texas Tribune's U.S. Senate candidate questionnaire, asked how he would vote on a war powers resolution requiring the president to get formal authorization for the war in Iran · Oct. 13, 2026
    SourceTexas U.S. Senate 2026: Paxton, Talarico and Brown on the issues (opens in a new tab)The Texas Tribune · Oct. 13, 2026 · News

Campaign finance

Totals reported to the Federal Election Commission by all of each candidate’s authorized campaign committees, for the period shown; the principal committee is named. Outside spending, such as by super PACs and parties, is not included. Bars compare the two amounts on each line; they do not measure a campaign’s quality or prospects.

Total raised

Ken Paxton

$19,497,810

James Talarico

$128,772,835

Total spent

Ken Paxton

$14,572,704

James Talarico

$114,178,604

Cash on hand

Ken Paxton

$4,925,105

James Talarico

$14,594,232

Reporting period

The two periods differ. Each starts with the committee’s first report of the 2025–26 cycle, so a campaign that began later starts later; end dates differ when the latest filings cover different dates.

Ken Paxton

April 1, 2025 – Sept. 30, 2026

Principal committee: Ken Paxton for Senate · FEC candidate ID S6TX00388

SourceKen Paxton for Senate: financial summary, 2025–2026 (opens in a new tab)Federal Election Commission · Sept. 30, 2026 · Campaign finance

James Talarico

Sept. 8, 2025 – Sept. 30, 2026

Principal committee: Talarico for Texas · FEC candidate ID S6TX00479

SourceTalarico for Texas: financial summary, 2025–2026 (opens in a new tab)Federal Election Commission · Sept. 30, 2026 · Campaign finance

Who’s on the ballot

The comparison above covers Ken Paxton and James Talarico. 1 other candidate has also qualified for the ballot.

Checked against the state’s official candidate list. Write-in candidates are not listed. 3 sources2026 Ballot Certification (opens in a new tab)Texas Secretary of State · Aug. 28, 2026 · Election officeNo. 0000 GENERAL ELECTION (ELECCIÓN GENERAL) (opens in a new tab)Texas Secretary of State · 2026 · Election officeIndependent Candidate Filings (opens in a new tab)Texas Secretary of State · 2026 · Election office

Your ballot, polling place and voting rules: Texas Secretary of State or vote.gov.

Sources

89 sources, last reviewed October 19, 2026. Official records and the candidates’ own materials come first; news reporting fills in context. How we research

  1. 2026 Ballot Certification

    Texas Secretary of State · Aug. 28, 2026

    Election office · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  2. Independent Candidate Filings

    Texas Secretary of State · 2026

    Election office · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  3. No. 0000 GENERAL ELECTION (ELECCIÓN GENERAL)

    Texas Secretary of State · 2026

    Election office · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  4. H.J.R. 2, 88th Legislature, 2nd Called Session: election details (Proposition 4, Nov. 7, 2023)

    Legislative Reference Library of Texas · Nov. 7, 2023

    Legislative record · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  5. House Journal, 82nd Legislature, Regular Session, 73rd Day (Tuesday, May 10, 2011)

    Texas House of Representatives · May 10, 2011

    Legislative record · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  6. House Journal, 82nd Legislature, Regular Session, 77th Day (Monday, May 16, 2011)

    Texas House of Representatives · May 16, 2011

    Legislative record · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  7. House Journal, 87th Legislature, Second Called Session, 5th Day (Aug. 30, 2021)

    Texas House of Representatives · Aug. 30, 2021

    Legislative record · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  8. House Journal, 87th Legislature, Second Called Session, 6th Day (Aug. 31, 2021)

    Texas House of Representatives · Aug. 31, 2021

    Legislative record · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  9. House Journal, 88th Legislature, Regular Session, 73rd Day (May 27, 2023)

    Texas House of Representatives · May 27, 2023

    Legislative record · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  10. House Journal, 88th Legislature, Second Called Session, 5th Day (continued) (July 13, 2023)

    Texas House of Representatives · July 13, 2023

    Legislative record · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  11. House Journal, 88th Legislature, Second Called Session, 6th Day (July 13, 2023)

    Texas House of Representatives · July 13, 2023

    Legislative record · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  12. 82(R) HB 12 - Engrossed version - Bill Text

    Texas Legislature Online · May 2011

    Legislative record · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  13. 82(R) History for HB 12

    Texas Legislature Online

    Legislative record · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  14. 82(R) History for SB 14

    Texas Legislature Online

    Legislative record · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  15. 82(R) SB 14 - Enrolled version - Bill Text

    Texas Legislature Online · May 2011

    Legislative record · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  16. 83(2) HB 2 - Enrolled version - Bill Text

    Texas Legislature Online · July 2013

    Legislative record · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  17. 83(2) History for HB 2

    Texas Legislature Online

    Legislative record · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  18. 83(R) HB 1223 - Enrolled version - Bill Text

    Texas Legislature Online · May 2013

    Legislative record · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  19. 83(R) History for HB 1223

    Texas Legislature Online

    Legislative record · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  20. 87(2) HB 9 - Enrolled version - Bill Text

    Texas Legislature Online · Sept. 2021

    Legislative record · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  21. 87(2) History for HB 9

    Texas Legislature Online · 2021

    Legislative record · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  22. 87(2) History for SB 4

    Texas Legislature Online · 2021

    Legislative record · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  23. 87(2) SB 4 - Enrolled version - Bill Text

    Texas Legislature Online · Sept. 2021

    Legislative record · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  24. 88(2) History for SB 2

    Texas Legislature Online · 2023

    Legislative record · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  25. 88(2) SB 2 - Committee Report (Unamended) version - Bill Analysis

    Texas Legislature Online · 2023

    Legislative record · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  26. 88(R) HR 2377 - Introduced version - Bill Text

    Texas Legislature Online · May 2023

    Legislative record · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  27. 89(R) History for SB 2835

    Texas Legislature Online · 2025

    Legislative record · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  28. 89(R) SB 2835 - Committee Report (Unamended) version - Bill Analysis

    Texas Legislature Online · 2025

    Legislative record · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  29. Senate Journal, 83rd Legislature, Regular Session (Wednesday, May 22, 2013)

    Texas Senate · May 22, 2013

    Legislative record · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  30. Senate Journal, 83rd Legislature, Second Called Session, Third Day (Friday, July 12, 2013)

    Texas Senate · July 12, 2013

    Legislative record · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  31. About the Attorney General

    Office of the Attorney General of Texas

    Government · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  32. Rep. Talarico, James: Biography

    Texas House of Representatives

    Government · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  33. Ken Paxton, Jr. Biography (Texas House of Representatives biographical sketch, 82nd Legislature)

    Texas House of Representatives, via the Legislative Reference Library of Texas · Feb. 23, 2011

    Government · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  34. Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, 597 U.S. ___ (2022)

    Supreme Court of the United States · June 24, 2022

    Court record · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  35. June Medical Services L. L. C. v. Russo, 591 U.S. ___ (2020)

    Supreme Court of the United States · June 29, 2020

    Court record · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  36. Order List (592 U.S.), Friday, December 11, 2020: 155, Orig., Texas v. Pennsylvania, et al.

    Supreme Court of the United States · Dec. 11, 2020

    Court record · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  37. Texas v. Pennsylvania, Georgia, Michigan and Wisconsin: Motion for Leave to File Bill of Complaint (docket No. 22O155)

    Supreme Court of the United States · Dec. 7, 2020

    Court record · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  38. Veasey v. Abbott, No. 20-40428 (5th Cir. Sept. 3, 2021)

    U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit · Sept. 3, 2021

    Court record · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  39. Veasey v. Abbott, No. 14-41127 (5th Cir. July 20, 2016) (en banc)

    U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, via U.S. Department of Justice · July 20, 2016

    Court record · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  40. Ken Paxton for Senate: financial summary, 2025–2026

    Federal Election Commission · Sept. 30, 2026

    Campaign finance · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  41. Talarico for Texas: financial summary, 2025–2026

    Federal Election Commission · Sept. 30, 2026

    Campaign finance · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  42. Meet Ken Paxton

    Ken Paxton for Senate

    Campaign · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  43. The Fight at Hand

    Ken Paxton for Senate

    Campaign · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  44. James Talarico on Corruption & Democracy

    Talarico for Texas

    Campaign · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  45. James Talarico on Energy, the Texas Grid & Utility Bills

    Talarico for Texas · Jan. 2, 2026

    Campaign · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  46. James Talarico on Foreign Policy, Iran & Israel

    Talarico for Texas · Jan. 2, 2026

    Campaign · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  47. James Talarico on Freedom, Family & Faith

    Talarico for Texas · Jan. 2, 2026

    Campaign · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  48. James Talarico on Health Care & Prescription Drug Costs

    Talarico for Texas · Jan. 2, 2026

    Campaign · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  49. James Talarico on Immigration & Border Security

    Talarico for Texas · Jan. 2, 2026

    Campaign · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  50. James Talarico on Taxes & Cost of Living

    Talarico for Texas

    Campaign · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  51. Meet James Talarico

    Talarico for Texas · Sept. 7, 2025

    Campaign · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  52. Texas U.S. Senator — VOTE411 Voter Guide

    League of Women Voters Education Fund (VOTE411) · 2026

    Candidate questionnaire · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  53. Justice Department declined to prosecute Texas AG Ken Paxton in final weeks of Biden’s term, AP sources say

    Associated Press, via Houston Public Media · April 3, 2025

    News · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  54. Paxton Felony Case Dropped After Restitution Paid, Hours Worked

    Bloomberg Law · June 18, 2025

    News · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  55. Paxton and Talarico each promise relief from rising energy costs

    Capital & Main, via The Texas Tribune · Oct. 18, 2026

    News · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  56. Talarico wins Texas Senate Democratic nomination while Cornyn and Paxton head to Republican runoff

    CNBC · March 4, 2026

    News · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  57. Talarico tackles abortion, faith and ‘conspiracy theories’: Takeaways from the CNN & Jubilee town hall

    CNN · Oct. 14, 2026

    News · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  58. Q&A: Ted Brown, Ken Paxton, James Talarico on ballot for US Senate

    Community Impact · 2026

    News · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  59. Ken Paxton's felony case dismissed after completing pretrial diversion program

    FOX 26 Houston · June 18, 2025

    News · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  60. Bill capping insulin prices in Texas passes House, Senate

    Houston Chronicle (Chron.com) · May 25, 2021

    News · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  61. AG Ken Paxton sues more out-of-state providers for allegedly shipping abortion pills to Texas

    KERA, via Houston Public Media · Feb. 25, 2026

    News · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  62. Texas runoff results: Paxton wins GOP U.S. Senate nomination, plus other key statewide race results

    KERA, via KUT · May 26, 2026

    News · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  63. Texas AG sues Delaware nurse practitioner over abortion pills

    KUT · Jan. 27, 2026

    News · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  64. James Talarico wins Texas Democratic Senate primary as John Cornyn and Ken Paxton go to a GOP runoff

    NBC News · March 2026

    News · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  65. Trump-backed Paxton defeats incumbent Cornyn in Texas runoff primary election

    NBC News · May 2026

    News · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  66. Texas Libertarian Party Nominates 2026 Statewide Candidates

    The Amarillo Pioneer · April 15, 2026

    News · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  67. UT alumnus to be sworn in as youngest member of state legislature

    The Daily Texan · Nov. 19, 2018

    News · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  68. Senate candidate James Talarico on his faith and politics

    The Dallas Morning News · June 11, 2026

    News · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  69. Texas attorney general sues to remove 13 House Democrats from office

    The Dallas Morning News · Aug. 8, 2025

    News · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  70. Texas Supreme Court Rejects Abbott, Paxton Petition to Remove Democratic Quorum-Breakers from Office

    The Texan · May 19, 2026

    News · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  71. “We have to suck it up”: Ken Paxton privately suggests cutting federal benefit programs to reduce national deficit

    The Texas Tribune · Oct. 8, 2026

    News · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  72. Democrat Gene Wu can keep House seat, Texas Supreme Court rules

    The Texas Tribune · May 15, 2026

    News · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  73. Felony charges against Ken Paxton to be dropped

    The Texas Tribune · March 26, 2024

    News · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  74. Ken Paxton to close Senate run with “Come And Take It” bus tour

    The Texas Tribune · Oct. 14, 2026

    News · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  75. Paxton drops appeal: Texas to pay $6.6 million to whistleblowers

    The Texas Tribune · July 3, 2025

    News · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  76. Paxton promises to ban Chinese technology and chatbots that endanger children in data center platform

    The Texas Tribune · Aug. 24, 2026

    News · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  77. Paxton unveils economic plan tied to tax breaks in Senate race

    The Texas Tribune · July 31, 2026

    News · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  78. Texas U.S. Senate 2026: Paxton, Talarico and Brown on the issues

    The Texas Tribune · Oct. 13, 2026

    News · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  79. Paxton says he’d consider dropping out of Senate runoff if Republicans pass voter ID bill

    The Texas Tribune, via Houston Public Media · March 6, 2026

    News · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  80. How teaching middle school in one of Texas’ poorest neighborhoods spurred James Talarico’s U.S. Senate bid

    The Texas Tribune, via KSAT · Jan. 16, 2026

    News · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  81. New Talarico campaign ad puts spotlight on his role in passing bill that caps insulin costs

    The Texas Tribune, via KSAT · Jan. 27, 2026

    News · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  82. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s former aides win $6.6 million in whistleblower case

    The Texas Tribune, via KUT · April 5, 2025

    News · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  83. James Talarico

    Ballotpedia

    Reference · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  84. Ken Paxton

    Ballotpedia

    Reference · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  85. Ken Paxton (R) defeated incumbent John Cornyn (R) in the Republican primary runoff for U.S. Senate in Texas on May 26, 2026

    Ballotpedia News · May 27, 2026

    Reference · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  86. Member profile for James Talarico

    Legislative Reference Library of Texas

    Reference · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  87. Member profile for Ken Paxton (Texas Legislators: Past & Present)

    Legislative Reference Library of Texas

    Reference · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  88. James Talarico

    Lex (Danish national encyclopedia) · Oct. 14, 2026

    Reference · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

  89. James Talarico

    Teach the Vote (Association of Texas Professional Educators)

    Reference · Reviewed Oct. 19, 2026

Photo credits

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