Ted Cruz Sounds Alarm Over Talarico
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz is warning fellow Republicans that the battle for one of the state’s U.S. Senate seats could be far closer than many conservatives expected.
Speaking during an interview with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who was guest-hosting Sean Hannity’s nationally syndicated radio program, Cruz acknowledged that Democratic state Rep. James Talarico has emerged as a serious challenger in the race to replace outgoing Sen. John Cornyn.
“Unfortunately, I do think he has a real chance,” Cruz said.
He added that Republicans should not assume victory simply because Texas has remained a Republican stronghold for decades.
“This is a real race,” Cruz said. “I think it’s going to be close. I believe we’re going to win, and I believe we’re going to keep Texas red, but the polling right now shows this is a one- or two-point race.”
Polls Suggest Competitive Texas Senate Contest
Recent public polling indicates the matchup between Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico has tightened, making the race one of the most closely watched Senate contests in the country.
Talarico has also demonstrated impressive fundraising strength.
According to his campaign, the Democrat raised approximately $30 million during the second quarter, setting a new fundraising record. Campaign finance figures show that total exceeded Paxton’s fundraising by more than three times during the same April-through-June reporting period.
The combination of competitive polling and record-breaking fundraising has increased national attention on a race Republicans have long expected to win.
Cruz Targets Talarico’s Liberal Record
While acknowledging Talarico’s political momentum, Cruz strongly criticized the Democrat’s policy positions and past public statements.
The Texas senator pointed to remarks in which Talarico described God as “nonbinary” and criticized what he called the Democrat’s liberal views on gender issues.
Cruz characterized Talarico as a “radical” and “extreme” candidate whose positions do not reflect the values of most Texas voters.
However, Cruz also cautioned Republicans against dismissing Talarico’s political strengths.
“This guy is also charming,” Cruz said.
“He is affable, he sounds like a preacher, and I worry about voters who may not be paying close attention to the issues, who just turn on the TV and say, ‘Oh, he seems like a nice young man.'”
His comments suggest Republicans believe personality and campaign style could influence undecided voters as Election Day approaches.
Abbott Predicts Republicans Will Hold the Seat
Gov. Greg Abbott expressed greater confidence that Republicans will ultimately prevail.
Abbott argued that once voters become more familiar with Talarico’s record and policy positions, support for the Democrat will decline.
“I personally think Talarico is going to be very beatable once Texans get to know who he really is,” Abbott said.
Abbott indicated he expects Republican voters to unite behind Paxton as the campaign enters its final months.
A Race With National Implications
Talarico has represented a district in the Texas House since 2018 and secured the Democratic nomination after defeating Rep. Jasmine Crockett in a closely watched primary election.
Paxton earned the Republican nomination by defeating incumbent Sen. John Cornyn, who lost after facing strong opposition from conservative voters and a challenge backed by President Donald Trump.
The general election will now determine whether Republicans can maintain control of a Senate seat that Democrats increasingly believe is within reach.
With competitive polling, historic fundraising, and growing national attention, political analysts expect the Texas Senate race to remain one of the most closely watched contests of the 2026 election cycle.
