Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Talarico Takes Lead in Texas Democratic Senate Primary as GOP Race Points to Runoff

New Emerson/Nexstar polling indicates general-election prospects hinge on the Republican nominee, with Paxton tied statewide and a runoff looking likely.

Overview

  • Talarico tops Crockett 47% to 38% among likely Democratic primary voters, with 15% undecided, as he leads among Hispanic and white Democrats and Crockett holds about 80% of Black Democratic support.
  • On the Republican side, Paxton registers 27%, Cornyn 26% and Hunt 16%, with 29% undecided, signaling no candidate near a majority and raising the likelihood of a May 26 runoff after the March 3 primary.
  • In hypothetical matchups, Cornyn leads Talarico 47%–44% and Crockett 48%–43%, Hunt posts similar advantages, and Paxton is tied 46%–46% against each Democrat.
  • The Emerson College Polling/Nexstar Media survey was conducted Jan. 10–12 among 1,165 registered voters (MOE ±2.8%), including Democratic (n=413, ±4.8%) and Republican (n=550, ±4.1%) primary samples.
  • Separate reporting notes Crockett has accepted contributions from tech, crypto and defense-linked donors, including Marc Andreessen, the Winklevoss twins and Lockheed Martin’s PAC, drawing intraparty scrutiny ahead of early voting beginning Feb. 17.