Democrat senatorial candidate James Talarico (R) and Texas gubernatorial candidate State Representative Gina Hinojosa react at a midterm campaign event in Austin, Texas on November 2, 2026. Talarico faces Trump-backed state Attorney General Ken Paxton, whose controversies have helped turn a longtime Republican stronghold into a closely watched contest. Paxton retains a loyal conservative following and enormous outside financial support. (Photo by RONALDO SCHEMIDT / AFP via Getty Images)