October 26, 2026 | Election 2026
Texas voters will choose a new U.S. senator on November 3. The three candidates printed on the statewide ballot are Republican Ken Paxton, Democrat James Talarico and Libertarian Ted Brown, according to the Texas Secretary of State's certified ballot. This profile examines Talarico's background and stated priorities without endorsing any candidate.
Background and public service
James Talarico is a Democratic member of the Texas House of Representatives who first won election in 2018. Before entering the Legislature, he worked in education. His legislative experience is central to his campaign's argument that he understands how state policy affects families and schools. A state representative helps write Texas laws; a U.S. senator votes on federal legislation, confirms certain presidential nominees and participates in congressional oversight.
What is at stake?
Talarico is challenging Attorney General Ken Paxton for the seat currently held by Republican John Cornyn. Paxton won the Republican nomination after defeating Cornyn in a primary runoff. Libertarian Ted Brown is also on the ballot. The election is not a Texas State Senate race; it is a statewide contest for one of Texas' two seats in the United States Senate.
Campaign priorities
Talarico has emphasized affordability, public education, access to healthcare and government ethics. He also speaks about his Christian faith as part of his public identity. These are descriptions of his campaign's priorities, not a determination that his proposals would achieve their stated goals. Voters should examine specific legislation, funding plans and the federal government's authority to act on each issue.
What supporters point to
Supporters may value his classroom experience, state legislative service and emphasis on economic concerns and ethics. His campaign seeks to appeal beyond the Democratic base, including independent and moderate voters. Whether that approach translates into governing results is a question voters must evaluate.
What critics may question
Voters who prefer Paxton's conservative positions on immigration, federal regulation and social issues may disagree with Talarico's approach. Others may want greater specificity about how proposed programs would be paid for or implemented at the federal level. Policy differences should be assessed using candidates' actual statements and voting records, not labels alone.
How close is the contest?
An October 13 University of Texas/Texas Politics Project poll reported 50% for Talarico, 47% for Paxton and 1% for Brown among likely voters. The survey's stated margin of error was plus or minus 3.34 percentage points. A poll is a snapshot, not an election result.
What Frisco-area voters should know
All Texas voters who are eligible to participate in this election can vote in the statewide U.S. Senate contest, but local races depend on their registered address. Early voting runs October 19–30; Election Day is November 3. Verify your registration, polling location and sample ballot with the Texas Secretary of State and the county election office.
Sources and further reading
Texas Secretary of State: Certified November 2026 ballot
 Open
Texas Tribune: Candidate issue questionnaire
University of Texas: October election poll
VoteTexas: Official voting resources
Editorial note: This article is an independent, nonpartisan candidate profile. It is not an endorsement. The Frisco Huddle will apply the same editorial standards to other candidates in the race.
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57 Comments
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I'd like to hear Talarico explain his ethics priorities.
I'm still undecided between Talarico and Brown.
His work in schools gives me something to consider.
I'll check the county election office before heading out.
Our family is feeling those affordability concerns every week.
Three points feels tiny in a statewide Texas race.
I want to know which education proposals a senator could actually pass.
Paxton's views on social issues are why I'm supporting him.
I appreciate the reminder that local ballots depend on your address.
Talarico has served in the House since 2018? Time flies.
I'll be voting early to avoid the November 3 crowd.
Early voting runs through October 30. It’s worth checking your county election office for locations and hours before heading out.
Brown deserves a look before folks write him off.
Access to healthcare is high on my list.
Fatima A.Same. I'm looking for details on what either candidate could actually do at the federal level.
One poll isn't enough to tell me who's ahead.
My sample ballot has local races I need to research too.
Leah P.Mine too. The local races take me longer to research than the statewide ones.
I hope the candidates explain their funding plans clearly.
My school district could use people who understand classrooms.
I'd rather hear more about federal regulation from both sides.
Chris BellAgreed. I'd like specific examples of which regulations each candidate would change.
Talarico's faith comes up often when I hear him speak.
Polls have been wrong before. I'm voting either way.
Neil S.Same here. That margin is close enough that I wouldn't read too much into one poll.
That one percent for Brown caught my eye.
I want to compare all three candidates' plans first.
The healthcare question feels personal for a lot of families.
Paxton beating Cornyn in the runoff still surprises me.
I'm curious how independents feel about his education background.
October 30 is coming up fast for early voting.
Nice to see the early voting dates spelled out.
Sofia R.Me too. I thought I had another week, so I'm glad I checked.
I thought this was for the Texas Senate at first.
I'd like specifics on what he can do federally for schools.
Government ethics should be a priority for either candidate.
Good reminder to check my polling location before going.
State experience doesn't always translate to Washington, though.
Agreed. His Texas House service is relevant background, but voters will have to decide how well it prepares him for a different role in Washington.
I like that he has actually worked in education.
Denise WalkerThe classroom experience caught my eye too. I'd like to hear how he'd apply it in the Senate.
November 3 will be interesting in Frisco.
Affordability is what I'm listening for this year.
A three-point lead with that margin of error? Very close.
I'll be looking more closely at Talarico's voting record.
Bethany ColeI'm doing the same, especially on school funding votes.
The difference between a state representative and senator was helpful.
I hadn't realized Ted Brown was on the ballot too.
Nina S.I missed his name the first time I looked at the race too.
He is, the certified statewide ballot lists Libertarian Ted Brown alongside Talarico and Paxton.
I still prefer Paxton's position on immigration.
His classroom experience matters to me as a parent.
That poll looks close enough to keep everyone guessing.
I want to hear how he'd pay for his healthcare plans.
That’s an important question. We encourage voters to look for specific funding plans and consider what a U.S. Senator could do at the federal level.
Glad to see Talarico talking about school funding.
Public education is one of the priorities Talarico has emphasized. We’d also encourage voters to examine the details of any funding proposal.