The race between Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton and Democratic state Rep. James Talarico remains a close one, with recent polls showing Talarico holding a narrow lead or the candidates essentially tied.
The race could prove to be a difficult one for Paxton, who faces a massive fundraising disadvantage. As of June 30, Federal Election Commission records showed Talarico with $21.5 million, compared to Paxton's $1.8 million. A more recent AP report essentially gives the same figures.
Conservatives believe Paxton is struggling against Talarico because of the fundraising deficit, a lack of unity within the Republican Party and a long history of personal scandals.
Louisiana Sen. John Kennedy (R) recently discussed the race on Fox News, saying Paxton needs to make the case against his Democratic opponent while also explaining his own vision for Texas.
"The attorney general is going to have to do two things," Kennedy said in the "Sunday Briefing." "He's going to have to point out the deficiencies of Mr. Talarico; he really is a loony, a Lulu Lennon. But at the same time, Mr. Paxton is going to have to talk about what he's going to do."
Talarico has faced Republican criticism for progressive positions on social issues, religion and immigration. In a viral 2021 video, for example, he stated that God is "nonbinary."
He has also advocated against Christian nationalism and putting the Ten Commandments in schools. He has been critical of ICE detention facilities and supportive of LGBTQ+ and transgender rights. An unearthed clip from a previous campaign also showed Talarico promoting reduced meat consumption.
Talarico is running a campaign focused on corruption and economic struggles, seeking to appeal to everyday workers and moderate voters.
Meanwhile, Republicans have not appeared eager to pour money into Paxton's campaign.
Tony Ortiz, editor of Current Revolt, thinks that will change soon.
"As far as what the GOP is thinking, I think we're going to see a big ramp-up on spending for Paxton and more involvement in his race post-Labor Day," he recently told American Family Radio.
Even so, he does not think Paxton is in a good position.
Ortiz noted that the current race is unusually competitive for a Texas Senate contest, saying a previous Senate race between Republican Sen. Ted Cruz and Democrat Beto O'Rourke was never as close as this one between Paxton and Talarico.
Voters will decide between the two on November 3.
